# Water polo competition and qualification developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-polo-competition-and-qualification-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-25T12:37:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Developments in regional and international water polo involve new competitive structures for Serbian and Croatian teams. Serbia and Croatia have agreed to establish a joint regional women’s water polo league for the 2026/2027 season. This tournament-based competition will feature top clubs from both nations, with events hosted in both Serbia and Croatia.

Separately, the Serbian national men’s team faces a revised qualification landscape for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Due to changes in rules, the three-time consecutive Olympic champions no longer hold a guaranteed spot. Qualification will now rely on the World Cup, continental championships, and a final qualification tournament.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Serbia water polo team faces new Olympic qualification rules

Due to rule changes, three-time consecutive Olympic champion Serbia must qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles water polo tournament through the World Cup or continental championships.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-water-polo-team-faces-new-olympic-qualification-rules

### 2026-09-04: Serbia and Croatia to form joint women's water polo league

Serbia and Croatia have agreed to form a joint women's water polo regional league starting in the 2026/2027 season, featuring top clubs like Partizan and Crvena zvezda.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-and-croatia-to-form-joint-womens-water-polo-league

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Cite as: Water polo competition and qualification developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-polo-competition-and-qualification-developments