The Men's U-18 Water Polo World Championship will take place at the Rio Maior Sports Centre from June 27 to July 4, 2026.
The Rio Maior Olympic Swimming Pool will host what will be the largest sporting event ever held in Rio Maior, bringing together more than 400 young athletes from around the world, in addition to technical staff, officials, and international organizing bodies.
It is worth recalling that in August 2025, Rio Maior hosted the U-18 European Championship, where Israel's national team claimed the title and Portugal achieved a historic 4th place finish. The event brought around 300 participants to the city, involving 13 national teams, including athletes, technical staff, and organizers, generating a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in the hospitality and restaurant sectors, with accommodation provided at the Rio Maior Sports Centre and various hotels in the region.
The World Championship will be organized by World Aquatics and the Portuguese Swimming Federation, with the support of the Municipality of Rio Maior, Desmor, and the Santarém District Swimming Association.