Champions League Final 4 press conference highlights

Malta is hosting the 2026 Champions League Final 4 water polo tournaments this week, marking the first time the men’s and women’s events are held together. The competition begins with women’s semifinals on Wednesday, followed by men’s matches starting Thursday, according to European Aquatics officials.

Who is competing in the women’s Final 4?

The women’s tournament features title-holders CN Sant Andreu, Mataro, Olympiacos, and FTC. CN Sant Andreu coach Javier Aznar stated his team is prepared to fight the best teams in the finals.

Mataro coach Dani Ballart said the team has confidence following their Spanish title win. They face Olympiacos in the semifinal, a match Mataro player Clara Cambray described as a “big final” where the team must deliver its best performance.

FTC coach Mark Matajsz noted that his team is more focused this year after claiming all domestic titles. Captain Greta Gurisatti said the team aims to be a “shark and win a medal” after being a “small fish” last season.

Did You Know? Pro Recco is an 11-time champion and is returning to the Final 4 after missing last season due to financial difficulties, during which they won the Euro Cup.

Which teams are fighting for the men’s title?

The men’s competition includes Pro Recco, Olympiacos, Zodiac CNAB, and FTC. Pro Recco coach Sandro Sukno expects an exciting tournament and noted that semifinal opponents Olympiacos are a well-organized team.

Zodiac CNAB is attempting to end a 12-year trophy drought. Head coach Fran Fernandez said his team is confident they could ruin FTC’s plans, though they are without injured player Vince Vigvari.

FTC coach Balazs Nyeki stated that winning would allow the club to join an elite group, including Pro Recco and Mladost Zagreb, by winning the Champions League three times in a row. He noted the pressure of defending the title weighs on the players.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the return of Pro Recco shifts the competitive balance of the tournament. Their absence last year created a vacuum that FTC filled, but the 11-time champions’ return introduces a psychological hurdle for teams attempting to establish a new dynasty.

Why is Malta hosting both tournaments?

This is the third year Malta has hosted the Final 4. LOC chair Karl Izzo said hosting both the men’s and women’s events is a great honor for the small country and association.

Sandro Sukno | Water Polo Player Extraordinaire

European Aquatics Vice-President Kyriakos Giannopoulos stated that Malta is a popular destination where people love water polo. He noted that the host nation consistently provides answers to the challenges of hosting such events.

What is the tournament schedule?

The event starts with the women’s semifinals on Wednesday. The men’s semifinals follow on Thursday.

The women’s bronze-medal game and the Champions League Final are scheduled for Friday. The men’s medal matches will take place on Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the 2026 Champions League Final 4 tournaments begin?
The tournaments begin with the women’s semifinals on Wednesday.

Which team is seeking a third consecutive men’s title?
FTC is attempting to win the Champions League three times in a row to join the elite group containing Pro Recco and Mladost Zagreb.

Why did Pro Recco miss the previous season’s Final 4?
According to the source, Pro Recco overcame financial difficulties and entered only the Euro Cup last season, which they won.

Which team’s return to the tournament do you think will have the biggest impact on the final results?