WPC’s WNT Finishes Third at the World Aquatics World Cup Div. 2 in Malta

Water Polo Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team concluded competition at the World Aquatics Women’s Water Polo World Cup Division 2 with a strong overall performance, securing a third-place finish at the international event held April 21–26 in Malta. The team recorded five wins and one loss over the course of the tournament.

The competition brought together 15 national teams from around the world under a new World Cup format, with the top two teams earning qualification to the Super Final to be held later this summer in Sydney, Australia.

Following a preparatory training camp in Greece, Canada opened the event in Malta with three victories in the preliminary phase, defeating Germany 13–8, Brazil 12–10, and Portugal 15–10. At the conclusion of the preliminary round, Canada ranked fourth overall, securing a place in the quarterfinals.

In the quarterfinals, Canada delivered a convincing performance against Great Britain, earning a 14–9 win to advance to the semifinals.

Canada’s only loss of the tournament came in the semifinals against Russia, the eventual tournament champions, by a score of 24–6. The team responded positively in the bronze medal match, demonstrating resilience and composure in a decisive 19–12 victory over Croatia to secure a place on the podium.

Canada’s result reflects a competitive showing in a large and challenging field. The tournament format provided multiple high-level matches within a condensed schedule, offering valuable preparation and international competition experience as the program continues to build toward future major events.

“We have a lot to keep working on as a Team so that we can show up stronger in every tournament”, says Head Coach Kyriaki Liosi.  “At this World Cup, we had eight players competing for the first time with the Senior National Team, which is an important step for our program. I’m pleased with the efforts and the improvement we showed throughout the tournament.” 

“II am proud of our Team for achieving a third place finish at this tournament,” says Team Captain Emma Wright (OLY).  “We came together only a week before World Cup 2 but in that short time the young athletes really stepped up. I was impressed with their fight and the growth they made throughout the trainings and the tournament. We still have many things to work on and improve in order to compete with the best teams in the world, but it was a promising start for our program after not competing since the Olympic Games in Paris.” 

“Playing with this team was a great experience,” added player Nicole O’Neill. “I learnt so much from the group. Thankful to have such a patient and experienced group of girls to lead us by example.”

Looking Ahead

The team’s focus will now shift to upcoming international opportunities, building on the lessons and momentum gained from competition in Malta towards the 2027 Pan Am Games and LA 2028 Olympic qualification.

Water Polo Canada sincerely congratulates the athletes and staff on their dedication, commitment to excellence and professionalism throughout the event, and we warmly thank supporters and partners for their continued support of the Senior Women’s National Team program. More specifically, Water Polo Canada wishes to sincerely thank the generous donors who, along with support from the government of Canada, make it possible to send our Teams to such critical international competitions, and support our athletes in their steadfast pursuit of excellence. Water Polo Canada continues to accept donations through our website at https://waterpolocanada.crowdchange.co/. 

Canadian Women’s Team at the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup 2026, Division 2 

•    ABDELFATTAH, Lujayn (Ottawa, ON) - Capital Wave 
•    CARROLL, Floranne (Montréal, QC) - CAMO 
•    CHRISTMAS, Kyra (Calgary, AB) - Calgary Renegades 
•    GAUDREAULT, Jessica (Ottawa, ON) - Capital Wave 
•    GUÈVREMONT, Daphné (Montréal, QC) – CAMO
•    KYFIUK, Ava (Stony Plain, AB) - Calgary Renegades 
•    LAWSON, Emma (Surrey, B.C.) - Fraser Valley Water Polo Club 
•    LINTHICUM, Jennika (Estevan, SK) - Team Sask 
•    MADY, Isabella (Delta, B.C.) - Fraser Valley Water Polo Club 
•    MILLEKER-SHYIAK, Clara (Regina, SK) - Team Sask 
•    MIMIDES, Marilia (Laval, QC & Gryfaldo, GRE) - DDO Water Polo Club 
•    O’NEILL, Nicole (Calgary, AB) - Oaks Christian 
•    PINEDA-MCLEAN, McKenna (Calgary, AB) - Calgary Renegades 
•    STODDARD, Alexandra (Abbotsford, B.C.) - Fraser Valley Water Polo Club 
•    WRIGHT, Emma (Lindsay, ON) – Shadow Water Polo Club 

Coaches 
Kyriaki Liosi (Vouliagmeni, GRE) - Head Coach 
Marina Radu-Johnson (Edmonton, AB) - Assistant Coach 

Support Staff 
Mitch Kaufman (Kitchener, ON) - Team Leader / Manager 
Danaée Vachon (Montréal, QC) - Athletic Therapist (IST)

Referee
Hélène Painchaud