Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Aquatics have finalized the qualification principles for the men's and women's water polo events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. For the first time, both tournaments will feature 12 teams, ensuring full gender parity in Olympic water polo.
The qualification system grants automatic entry for the host nation, the United States, in both tournaments. Additional spots will go to: the highest-placed National Olympic Committee (NOC) at the 2027 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Final; the top two NOCs at the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest; the highest-placed NOC at each of the five Continental Championships; and the top three NOCs at the 2028 World Aquatics World Qualifier.
World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam emphasized the collaborative approach in creating a fair qualification pathway that increases opportunities for athletes. He noted the expansion of participating nations as a significant achievement aligning with the principles of equal opportunity and fairness in sport.
Serbian men's national team captain Nikola Jaksic, from the three-time reigning Olympic champions, acknowledged the importance of this commitment to equality, highlighting that more teams introduce new challenges and opportunities for aspiring Olympians.