SYDNEY, July 26 — Greece water polo champions claimed their first major international title with a 15-14 victory over Hungary in the World Aquatics Men’s Water Polo World Cup final.
Prime Minister congratulates team after historic win
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called straight after the final whistle. Coach Theodoros Vlachos told Greek City Times he had just gotten off the phone with the Prime Minister. The call congratulated the players and staff on the landmark achievement.
Captain Stelios Argyropoulos scored the decisive goal in the closing attack. Therefore, the Greek side finally ended a run of five consecutive major final defeats. Konstantinos Skoumpakis led the attack with five goals. Additionally, Stylianos Kakaris, Konstantinos Gkiouvetsis and Dimitrios Papanastasiou delivered key strikes.
Greece controlled the opening half. Consequently, the side conceded only an equalizer moments before the interval. Skoumpakis struck twice with powerful shots. Meanwhile, Kakaris dominated at center forward and repeatedly broke the Hungarian defense.
Lead changes in fierce second half
The second half became a fierce contest. Hungary took the lead for the first time. However, Greece responded with four crucial goals. Skoumpakis and Vangelis Pouros inspired the recovery.
Hungary converted six of ten power-play chances. Krisztián Manhercz leveled the score at 14-14 with 45 seconds remaining. Nevertheless, Argyropoulos rose to the occasion and buried the winner.
Path to the Sydney final
Greece reached the final after a 10-9 semi-final win over Italy. Hungary advanced with a 13-12 victory against host Australia. Earlier, the Greeks defeated Montenegro 14-13 in the quarter-finals.
Vlachos guided the squad throughout the tournament at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Center. The team had finished with European Championship bronze earlier in 2026.
End of a long final drought
Greece had lost five major finals before this night. The side fell 8-5 to the United States in the 1997 FINA Cup. Serbia beat them on penalties in the 2018 Mediterranean Games and 13-10 at the Tokyo Olympics. Hungary edged them on penalties at the 2023 World Championships. Spain defeated them 16-14 in the 2025 World Cup final.
Thus, the Sydney result marks the first World Cup gold in the nation’s history. Greek Australian supporters filled the stands and created a sea of blue-and-white flags.
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Photos Copyright Nick Bourdaniotis / Greek City Times
