Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Spain is set to defend its U18 women's water polo title in a championship featuring 20 teams from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa, according to the tournament overview published by World Aquatics.
This event marks the first time 20 nations have qualified, up from the usual 16 teams seen in the previous five editions since the inaugural year in 2012. The championship has been a U18 event since 1998, except for a Covid-related cancellation in 2020.
The tournament groups are designed to balance competition, with the top two groups containing the strongest teams based on past results, potentially providing an easier path to the quarterfinals. Spain, a three-time medalist and the reigning champion, is placed in Group B alongside the USA, a two-time champion, Croatia, and China. Group A includes Greece, the inaugural winner and 2024 silver medalist, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands, all of which have medaled previously.
Other groups feature a mix of returning and debut teams, such as Colombia and Malta making their first appearances, while Zimbabwe returns after last competing in 2012. Australia, Brazil, and Serbia form another group, with Australia consistently performing well in the competition's history.