Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Malta hosted a major women's water polo tournament featuring 15 teams and 108 matches played across two venues: Tal-Qroqq and Cotonera. The event marked significant expansion from December 2024, when only 28 matches between 16 teams were held. The tournament was split into two divisions, allowing weaker nations the chance to compete against stronger opponents.
New participants included Argentina, Malta, and Slovakia, while Germany competed as a unified nation for the first time in World Cups. Teams displayed strong preparation, with many matches showcasing precise cross-passing to beat goalkeepers.
Russia dominated the tournament, advancing with significant victories before meeting China in the final. The decisive match was closely contested, ending 18-17 in favor of Russia after a dramatic last-second goal following a timeout with four seconds left. This win marked Russia's return to world-class water polo, following absence from several recent World Aquatic Championships, World Cups, and League Finals since 2021.
The Maltese federation was praised for successfully hosting the expanded tournament and promoting women's water polo globally.