New Zealand U16 Women Set for 2026 World Aquatics Championships

The New Zealand Women's U16 National Water Polo team is gearing up for the 2026 World Aquatics Women's U16 Water Polo Championships, set to take place from 25th of June to 31st of July 2026 in Zagreb, Croatia. This prestigious tournament will feature 24 teams from across the globe!

Building momentum in Varaždin

In preparation for the World Championships, the team has been based in Varaždin, Croatia, completing a training block against strong European opposition. The campaign has included valuable matches against Croatia and Serbia, providing the athletes with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the world's leading water polo nations while continuing to build combinations and gain valuable international experience ahead of the tournament.

Gabryel Oloapu, Head Coach, reflected on the team's preparation:

"Our time in Varaždin has been an important part of our preparation for the World Championships. This group has continued to grow together and is ready to embrace the opportunity ahead."

Looking ahead to the World Championships, Oloapu added:

"For many of these athletes, this is their first experience at a World Championships. Wearing the silver fern at this level is a privilege they've earned through years of hard work, and they're excited to test themselves against the best young players in the world."

"We know our opening matches will be a significant challenge, but we're here to compete. Our focus is on playing brave, disciplined water polo and executing the things we can control."

"We're proud to represent New Zealand, grateful for the support from home, and excited to get our tournament underway."

Group stage fixtures

New Zealand will play Czechia, Italy, Zimbabwe, and the People's Republic of China in the League phase of the tournamnet. 

• Sunday, 26 July – 6:35 AM NZST – Czechia vs New Zealand

• Sunday, 26 July – 11:00 PM NZST – Italy vs New Zealand

• Tuesday, 28 July – 6:35 AM NZST – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand

• Wednesday, 29 July – 2:00 AM NZST – People's Republic of China vs New Zealand

(Remaining fixtures to be confirmed)

24 teams compete in a four-day league phase, with each team playing four matches. Teams are then ranked 1–24 and split into three eight-team knockout brackets (1–8, 9–16, and 17–24), where all final placings are determined over the final three days.

Watch live

Each match of the 2026 World Aquatics Women's U16 Water Polo Championships will be streamed LIVE and FREE on the World Aquatics YouTube Channel - make sure to tune in and support our New Zealand national team!

Stay connected

For updates throughout the tournament — including results and highlights — stay in the loop via the links below:

• Instagram: @waterpolonz

• Facebook: Water Polo New Zealand

• Website: www.nzwaterpolo.org.nz

• World Aquatics: https://www.worldaquatics.com/competitions/5138/world-aquatics-women-s-u16-water-polo-championships-2026

Get behind the team and stay informed as they represent Aotearoa on the global stage.

New Zealand Women's U16 National Water Polo team:

Team list: 

• Amelia LAFAIALI'I (Seawolf)
• Charlotte MCCARTHY (North Harbour)
• Claudia SUNDSTRUM (Atlantis)
• Emily ROPE (Seawolf)
• Frankie MCGUINNESS (Marist)
• Henrietta YARRELL-STEVENSON (Sydney Uni/Atlantis)
• India NATHAN (Marlborough/Seawolf)
• Indiana COE (Atlantis)
• Jean GIBSON (North Harbour)
• Jessica YEOMAN (Seawolf)
• Juliette LAURY (Atlantis)
• Rose TINDALL (North Harbour)
• Sophia RAILTON (North Harbour)
• Yixuan (Angelina) YANG (Seawolf)

Non-travelling reserves: Addison SANDS (Atlantis), Ashleigh GOFFE (Harbour City/Seawolf), Alys HEGGIE (Marist), Olivia LAMBIE (Seawolf)

Support staff: Gabryel OLOAPU, Charlotte WORTH, Mandy ANDERSON