Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The recent World Aquatics Women's World Cup Division I tournament determined the top five non-qualified teams for the 2026 Finals in Sydney, Australia. With Australia automatically qualified as host, the four top finishers—Netherlands, United States, Spain, and Italy—secured their places in the Finals.
Australia, Hungary, Greece, and Japan then contested positions five through eight for the final qualification slot. Australia finished fifth, Hungary sixth, and Greece seventh in a three-way points tie, with goal differential deciding placings. Australia’s win over Greece contributed to Greece failing to qualify. Greece had previously beaten Hungary but was hampered by captain Eleftheria Plevritou’s injury and an earlier injury to Vasiliki Plevritou, impacting their performance.
The United States finished as the top team, followed by the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. Australia had strong leads in matches against the Netherlands and Italy, but defeats in those games ultimately affected their ranking. With a fifth place finish, Australia missed the final qualification spot by goal difference in a close contest.
For the Sydney Finals, the quarterfinal matchups are set: USA will face China, the Division II qualifier from Malta. The Netherlands meets Russia, the Division II winner. Spain is matched with Hungary, and Italy will play Australia. Winners advance to the semifinals and classification matches.