The Montenegrin men’s water polo team has begun assembling for the final tournament of the 2026 World Cup, with head coach Dejan Savić announcing a 20 player roster as the “Sharks” prepare to compete in the Superfinal in Sydney from July 22 to 26. The squad, which earned its place by winning the Division 2 qualifying tournament in Malta earlier this spring, will face Greece in the quarterfinals on July 23, with a potential semifinal matchup against the winner of the Italy-Georgia duel. The tournament represents a critical milestone for Montenegro as it seeks to secure one of the three automatic qualification spots for the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
The Superfinal bracket pits Montenegro against formidable opposition in a single elimination format that leaves little room for error. Should they advance past Greece, they would meet either Italy or Georgia in the semifinals on July 25, with the final scheduled for July 26 at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The other quarterfinal pairings feature Spain against host Australia, and Hungary against Croatia, setting up a potential Balkan derby in the later rounds. The top three finishers will not only claim World Cup medals but also earn a top line position in the championship draw for Budapest, joining reigning Olympic champions Serbia and reigning World Champions Spain.
Savić’s squad brings a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, with the coaching staff led by the former national team player himself, assisted by Nebojša Milić and Nikola Mijanović. The team has been bolstered by a comprehensive support staff including fitness coach Edward Bonello, physiotherapist Vladislav Mlađen, and psychologist Helena Rosandić. The Sharks’ path to Sydney was forged through a dominant Division 2 campaign that culminated in a 19-17 victory over Georgia in the final on April 13, with Dušan Matković scoring six goals in the decisive match. For Montenegro, a nation with a rich water polo tradition but limited resources compared to regional powerhouses like Croatia and Serbia, the Superfinal offers a chance to announce their return to the elite tier of international competition. With club commitments now concluding, the remaining players are expected to join camp progressively, giving Savić just over a month to fine tune his tactics before the team dives into the deep end in Sydney.
