How do you qualify for the Olympics in water polo?

With France being the host nation, its men's and women's water polo teams earned an automatic qualification spot at the 2024 Games. 

The 11 other spots for the men's tournament are given as follows: 

  • The two-highest-placed teams at the 20th FINA World Championship qualify
  • The five winners in each continent qualification tournament qualify (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania)
  • The four-highest-placed teams at the 21st FINA World Championship qualify

In the women's tournament, qualification spots are given as follows: 

  • The two-highest placed teams at the 20th FINA World Championship qualify
  • The five winners in each continent qualification tournament qualify (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania)
  • The two-highest-placed teams at the 21st FINA World Championship qualify

How many water polo teams go to the Olympics?

Twelve water polo teams qualify for the men's tournament while the women's tournament consists of 10 teams. 

Which water polo teams have qualified for the Paris Olympics?

The following teams have qualified for the men's tournament: 

  • Group A: Croatia, Italy, Romania, United States, Greece, Montenegro
  • Group B: France, Hungary, Spain, Serbia, Australia, Japan

The following teams have qualified for the women's tournament:

  • Group A: Australia, China, Netherlands, Canada, Hungary
  • Group B: France, United States, Italy, Greece, Spain