Water polo: everything you need to know about this sport

Born in the 1860s in the United Kingdom, water polo has undergone two distinct developments, one European and one American. The first being less violent than its American version, it has established itself as the universal formula. After being codified in England, water polo experienced its first international meeting between English and Scots, as a symbol of its British origins. And it was in 1900 in Paris that this aquatic sport became an Olympic discipline for men, a century later women joined the game in 2000 in Sydney.

The last editions were marked by the victories of Serbia, double title holder for men, and the United States, triple title holder for women. Only present since the 21st century, the women's tournament has had 4 different winners, first Australia, Italy and the Netherlands, before American hegemony in 2012, 2016 and 2021. Among the men's selections it is different, and history was made up of periods. The United Kingdom won the first three events between nations (1908, 1912, 1920). Then came the supremacy of Eastern European countries, with the 9 coronations of Hungary (the most successful country in the history of the games) between 1932 and 2008 out of 18 possible gold medals. This domination was accompanied by Soviet (2) and Yugoslav (3) successes.

Note that no non-European selection won gold. This summer France will be led by Thomas Vernoux, the “Mbappé of water polo”, after his historic semi-final at the 2024 World Cup in Qatar. In an underdog role, the Blues find themselves in their best position in 100 years, and a victory at the 1924 Olympic Games... in Paris.

At 7 against 7 in a 30x20m pool for men and 25x20 meters for women, the polo players compete during 4 periods of 8 minutes. Field players are only allowed to touch the ball with one hand, and must attempt to score during possession phases of 30 seconds maximum; in water polo, all shots are allowed on the ball carrier. This summer, 12 men's nations are involved, and 10 women's. The Olympic tournaments are first contested by a phase of two groups made up of 6 teams for men, and 5 for women. At the end of this first round, the first 4 in each group are qualified for the quarter-finals, and begin the path to the gold medal.

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From July 27 to August 11, the men's and women's water polo events will take place, the women will open the ball. The two separate tournaments alternate one day later to allow the teams a day of recovery. The first rounds will therefore start on July 27 and 28, until August 4 and 5 at the Olympic Aquatic Center located next to the Stade de France. Then from August 6 to 11, the final phase will take place again in Saint-Denis. In conclusion, the women's final on Saturday 10 and the men's final on Sunday 11, which will be played at Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre.