2028 Summer Games Water Polo Overview

2028 Summer Games Water Polo is scheduled July 12–23 at Long Beach Aquatics Center. The men’s tournament begins two days before the Opening Ceremony, followed by the women’s tournament on July 13. Both competitions feature 12 national teams.

The 2028 program gives the men’s and women’s tournaments equal 12-team fields. Matches are played seven-a-side across four 8-minute quarters, with 28-second possessions keeping the pace high throughout each session.

2028 Summer Games Water Polo Schedule

The current schedule alternates men’s and women’s preliminary days before moving into the knockout rounds. Men’s quarterfinals are July 19, women’s quarterfinals July 20, both semifinal sessions July 21, men’s medals July 22 and women’s medals July 23.

Competition schedules remain subject to change through the Games.

Where Is 2028 Summer Games Water Polo Held?

Water polo will be held at Long Beach Aquatics Center, a temporary open-air competition venue constructed in the Long Beach Convention Center lot. The venue is part of the Long Beach zone and also hosts artistic swimming during the Games.

How 2028 Summer Games Water Polo Works

Water polo is played with seven players per team in the water: six field players and one goalkeeper. Matches consist of four 8-minute quarters, and teams have 28 seconds to attempt a shot during a possession.

Both 12-team tournaments begin with preliminary play before moving into quarterfinals and semifinals. The final four teams in each tournament advance to the medal phase, with bronze and gold decided on consecutive days at the end of the water polo program.

Planning a Water Polo Trip to Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the most concentrated venue zones for the 2028 Summer Games, making water polo easy to combine with other waterfront events. A Long Beach hotel base can reduce cross-city travel and place visitors near multiple competition sites.

The water polo schedule runs for nearly two weeks, so travelers can choose between early preliminary sessions, knockout rounds or the men’s and women’s medal days.

2028 Summer Games Water Polo Tickets & Trip Planning

Xenia Events can assist with 2028 Summer Games water polo ticket options and trip planning now. Availability and pricing will continue to evolve as additional inventory enters the market, and we can help clients source options based on preferred dates, sessions and seating needs.

We can also assist with hotel accommodations, private ground transportation and customized multi-event itineraries. Flight arrangements can be coordinated through a travel partner when needed.

Water Polo at the Summer Games

Men’s water polo has been part of the Summer Games program since 1900. Women’s water polo joined the program in 2000 and has grown into one of the major team events in the aquatics schedule.

The 2028 edition is notable because both tournaments feature 12 teams, giving the men’s and women’s competitions equal field sizes.

2028 Summer Games Water Polo Frequently Asked Questions

Other 2028 Summer Games Events