National team appearances in the men's Olympic water polo tournament
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This article presents the national team appearances in the men's Olympic water polo tournament since the inaugural official edition in 1900.
As of the 2020 Summer Olympics, 52 men's national water polo teams from six continents have competed at the Olympic Games. European teams have won all 27 official tournaments. The inaugural winners in 1900 were Great Britain; the current champions are Serbia. The most successful team is currently Hungary men's team, who has won the Olympic title on nine occasions.[1][2][3]
Abbreviations
Apps | Appearances | Rk | Rank | Ref | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
p. | page | pp. | pages |
Team statistics
Comprehensive team results by tournament
Note: Results of Olympic qualification tournaments are not included. Numbers refer to the final placing of each team at the respective Games; italic number in header means unofficial tournament was held. Last updated: 11 February 2024.
Legend
- 1 – Champions
- 2 – Runners-up
- 3 – Third place
- 4 – Fourth place
- – Qualified but were not allowed to compete
- – Disqualified
- — – The nation did not participate in the Games
- Q – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
- – Hosts
- = – More than one team tied for that rank
- Team† – Defunct team
Abbreviation
- stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
- EUA – United Team of Germany
- FRG – West Germany
- FRY – FR Yugoslavia
- GDR – East Germany
- SCG – Serbia and Montenegro
Men's team[1] | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | — | — | — | — | 7 | 10 | — | 13 | 12 | 15 | — | 12 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | 14 | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 12 | WD | 3 |
Men's team[1] | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | — | — | 13 | 10 | 16 | 11 | — | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | 6 | — | [a] | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | 16 | 9 | — | 10 | 11 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | 17 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | 8 | 9 | 7 | 5 | — | — | 8 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | 18 | 11 | 13 | 10 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | 4 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 23 | |||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | 13 | 16 | — | 2 |
Men's team[1] | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | 11 | 12 | 3 | |||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | 12 | 21 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 12 | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | 4 | 14 | — | 14 | 11 | 12 | 15 | — | 11 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 10 | ||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | Part of Soviet Union | [b] | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 10 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 12 | 1 |
Men's team[1] | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4 | — | 7 | 13 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | 2 | — | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 16 | 7 | 11 | |||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 11 | 12 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | Part of Yugoslavia | 2 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | 12 | 6 | 10 | 11 | — | 12 | Defunct | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
![]() | Part of Germany | P. of EUA | 6 | — | Part of Germany | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | 3[c] | — | 6 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | =5 | — | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | — | 15 | See EUA | See FRG and GDR | 7 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 9 | |||||||||||||||
![]() | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||
![]() | 8 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 17 | ||||||||||||
![]() | 5 | — | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | — | 5 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 24 | |||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 15 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | 14 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | 10 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 22 | ||||||
![]() | — | — | — | 11 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8 | — | 16 | — | — | — | — | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | Part of Yugoslavia | P. of FRY / SCG | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | 4 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 17 | |||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | 20 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 10 | |||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | Part of Soviet Union | [b] | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | Part of Yugoslavia | P. of FRY / SCG | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | Part of Yugoslavia | See FRY | 2 | Defunct | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | Part of Czechoslovakia | 12 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 1 | — | 3 | Defunct | 9 | ||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | 7 | 10 | 9 | — | 8 | 8 | — | 9 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 19 | |||||
![]() | — | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 14 | — | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Part of Soviet Union | [b] | 12 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | — | Part of Soviet Union | 3 | Defunct | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | See Germany | 6 | 6 | 6 | See FRG and GDR | See Germany | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | Part of Germany | P. of EUA | 10 | 4 | 6 | — | 3 | 4 | Part of Germany | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | 10 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Defunct | 12 | ||||||||||||
![]() | — | — | — | — | Part of Yugoslavia | — | 8 | 3 | Defunct | 2 |
Men's team[1] | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | — | — | 18 | 19 | 9 | 15 | 10 | [f] | 12 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 18 |
Men's team[1] | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total teams | 7 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 5 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 10 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Debut of teams
Last updated: 12 February 2024.
- Legend
- Team* – Host team
- Team† – Defunct team
# | Year[1] | Debuting teams | Number | Cumulative total | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa | Americas | Asia | Europe | Oceania | |||||
1 | 1900 | – | – | – | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | – | 4 | 4 | |
2 | 1904 | Water polo was an unofficial sport | |||||||
3 | 1908 | – | – | – | ![]() ![]() | – | 2 | 6 | |
4 | 1912 | – | – | – | ![]() ![]() | – | 2 | 8 | |
5 | 1920 | – | ![]() ![]() | – | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | – | 7 | 15 | |
6 | 1924 | – | – | – | ![]() | – | 1 | 16 | |
7 | 1928 | – | ![]() | – | ![]() ![]() | – | 3 | 19 | |
8 | 1932 | – | – | ![]() | – | – | 1 | 20 | |
9 | 1936 | – | ![]() | – | ![]() ![]() | – | 3 | 23 | |
10 | 1948 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | – | ![]() | 4 | 27 | |
11 | 1952 | ![]() | ![]() | – | ![]() ![]() ![]() | – | 5 | 32 | |
12 | 1956 | – | – | ![]() | ![]() | – | 2 | 34 | |
13 | 1960 | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 34 | |
14 | 1964 | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 34 | |
# | Year | Africa | Americas | Asia | Europe | Oceania | Number | Cumulative total | |
15 | 1968 | – | ![]() | – | ![]() ![]() | – | 3 | 37 | |
16 | 1972 | – | ![]() | – | ![]() | – | 2 | 39 | |
17 | 1976 | – | – | ![]() | – | – | 1 | 40 | |
18 | 1980 | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 40 | |
19 | 1984 | – | – | ![]() | – | – | 1 | 41 | |
20 | 1988 | – | – | ![]() | – | – | 1 | 42 | |
21 | 1992 | – | – | – | ![]() | – | 1 | 43 | |
22 | 1996 | – | – | – | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | – | 4 | 47 | |
23 | 2000 | – | – | ![]() | ![]() | – | 2 | 49 | |
24 | 2004 | – | – | – | ![]() | – | 1 | 50 | |
25 | 2008 | – | – | – | ![]() ![]() | – | 2 | 52 | |
26 | 2012 | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 52 | |
27 | 2016 | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 52 | |
28 | 2020 | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 52 | |
29 | 2024 | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 52 | |
Total | 2 | 8 | 7 | 34 | 1 | 52 | 52 |
Number of appearances by team
The following table is pre-sorted by number of appearances (in descending order), year of the last appearance (in ascending order), year of the first appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.
Legend and abbreviation
- Year* – As host team
- Team† – Defunct team
- Apps – Appearances
- stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Rk | Men's team[1] | Apps | Record streak | Active streak | Debut | Most recent | Best finish | Confederation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 23 | 13 | 9 | 1912 | 2020 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
2 | ![]() | 22 | 12 | 10 | 1920 | 2020 | Runners-up | Americas – UANA |
3 | ![]() | 21 | 19 | 19 | 1920 | 2020 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
4 | ![]() | 18 | 11 | 11 | 1920 | 2020 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
5 | ![]() | 17 | 7 | 0 | 1908 | 2000 | Third place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 17 | 6 | 6 | 1948 | 2020 | Fifth place | Oceania – OSA | |
7 | ![]() | 16 | 11 | 11 | 1920 | 2020 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN |
8 | ![]() | 12 | 12 | 0 | 1936 | 1988 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
9 | ![]() | 11 | 5 | 0 | 1900 | 1964 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 11 | 5 | 0 | 1900 | 2012* | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 11 | 4 | 0 | 1900* | 2016 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
12 | ![]() | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1952 | 1988 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1900 | 2008 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1952 | 2012 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 9 | 4 | 2 | 1932 | 2020* | Fourth place | Asia – AASF | |
16 | ![]() | 8 | 4 | 0 | 1908 | 1980 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1920 | 2016* | Sixth place | Americas – UANA | |
18 | ![]() | 7 | 7 | 7 | 1996 | 2020 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
19 | ![]() | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1948 | 2004 | Seventh place | Africa – CANA |
20 | ![]() | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1920 | 1948 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1968 | 1988 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1920 | 1992 | Sixth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1968 | 1992 | Fifth place | Americas – UANA | |
24 | ![]() | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1928 | 1960 | Tenth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1952 | 1976 | Tenth place | Americas – UANA | |
![]() | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1972 | 2008 | Ninth place | Americas – UANA | |
![]() | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2000 | 2020 | Ninth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2008 | 2020 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2008 | 2020 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
30 | ![]() | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1912 | 1952 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1956 | 1964 | Sixth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1996 | 2004 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1984 | 2008* | Ninth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1952 | 2020 | Ninth place | Africa – CANA | |
35 | ![]() | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1924 | 1928 | Ninth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1928 | 1936 | Eighth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1936 | 1948 | Thirteenth place | Americas – UANA | |
![]() | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1948 | 1952 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1972 | 1980 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1996 | 2000 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
41 | ![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1928 | 1928 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1936 | 1936 | Fifteenth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1948 | 1948 | Seventeenth place | Americas – UANA | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1952 | 1952 | Twentieth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1956 | 1956 | Tenth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1968 | 1968 | Sixth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1976 | 1976 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1988* | 1988* | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1992 | 1992 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1996 | 1996 | Twelfth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2000 | 2000 | Twelfth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 2004 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
Rk | Men's team | Apps | Record streak | Active streak | Debut | Most recent | Best finish | Confederation |
Results of host teams
Last updated: 8 August 2021.
- Legend and abbreviation
- Year* – As host team
- Team† – Defunct team
- Finish‡ – It is the best performance of the team
- Apps – Appearances
# | Year[1] | Host team | Finish | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1900 | ![]() | 3rd of 7 teams[c] | Champions (1924*) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
2 | 1904 | Water polo was an unofficial sport | ||||
3 | 1908 | ![]() | 1st‡ of 4 teams | Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
4 | 1912 | ![]() | 2nd‡ of 6 teams | Runners-up (1912*) | 8 | Europe – LEN |
5 | 1920 | ![]() | 2nd‡ of 12 teams | Runners-up (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
6 | 1924 | ![]() | 1st‡ of 13 teams | Champions (1924*) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
7 | 1928 | ![]() | 5th of 14 teams | Third place (1948, 1976) | 17 | Europe – LEN |
8 | 1932 | ![]() | 3rd of 5 teams | Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) | 22 | Americas – UANA |
9 | 1936 | ![]() | 2nd of 16 teams | Champions (1928) | 9 | Europe – LEN |
10 | 1948 | ![]() | 13th of 18 teams | Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
11 | 1952 | ![]() | did not participate | — | 0 | Europe – LEN |
12 | 1956 | ![]() | 9th of 10 teams | Fifth place (1984, 1992) | 17 | Oceania – OSA |
13 | 1960 | ![]() | 1st‡ of 16 teams | Champions (1948, 1960*, 1992) | 21 | Europe – LEN |
14 | 1964 | ![]() | 11th of 13 teams | Fourth place (1932) | 9 | Asia – AASF |
# | Year | Host team | Finish | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
15 | 1968 | ![]() | 11th of 15 teams | Tenth place (1976) | 4 | Americas – UANA |
16 | 1972 | ![]() | 4th of 16 teams | Third place (1984) | 5 | Europe – LEN |
17 | 1976 | ![]() | 9th‡ of 12 teams | Ninth place (1976*) | 4 | Americas – UANA |
18 | 1980 | ![]() | 1st‡ of 12 teams | Champions (1972, 1980*) | 9 | Europe – LEN |
19 | 1984 | ![]() | 2nd‡ of 12 teams | Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) | 22 | Americas – UANA |
20 | 1988 | ![]() | 12th‡ of 12 teams | Twelfth place (1988*) | 1 | Asia – AASF |
21 | 1992 | ![]() | 2nd of 12 teams | Champions (1996) | 18 | Europe – LEN |
22 | 1996 | ![]() | 7th of 12 teams | Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) | 22 | Americas – UANA |
23 | 2000 | ![]() | 8th of 12 teams | Fifth place (1984, 1992) | 17 | Oceania – OSA |
24 | 2004 | ![]() | 4th of 12 teams | Runners-up (2020) | 16 | Europe – LEN |
25 | 2008 | ![]() | 12th of 12 teams | Ninth place (1984) | 3 | Asia – AASF |
26 | 2012 | ![]() | 12th of 12 teams | Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
27 | 2016 | ![]() | 8th of 12 teams | Sixth place (1920) | 8 | Americas – UANA |
28 | 2020 | ![]() | 10th of 12 teams | Fourth place (1932) | 9 | Asia – AASF |
# | Year | Host team | Finish | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
Results of defending champions and runners-up
Last updated: 8 August 2021.
- Legend
- Team* – Host team
- Team† – Defunct team
# | Year[1] | Defending champions | Finish | Defending runners-up | Finish |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1900 | ||||
2 | 1904 | Water polo was an unofficial sport | |||
3 | 1908 | ||||
4 | 1912 | ![]() | 1st of 6 teams | ![]() | 3rd of 6 teams |
5 | 1920 | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams | ![]() | 3rd of 12 teams |
6 | 1924 | ![]() | 8th of 13 teams | ![]() | 2nd of 13 teams |
7 | 1928 | ![]() | 3rd of 14 teams | ![]() | 6th of 14 teams |
8 | 1932 | ![]() | 2nd of 5 teams | ![]() | 1st of 5 teams |
9 | 1936 | ![]() | 1st of 16 teams | ![]() | 2nd of 16 teams |
10 | 1948 | ![]() | 2nd of 18 teams | ![]() | did not participate |
11 | 1952 | ![]() | 3rd of 21 teams | ![]() | 1st of 21 teams |
12 | 1956 | ![]() | 1st of 10 teams | ![]() | 2nd of 10 teams |
13 | 1960 | ![]() | 3rd of 16 teams | ![]() | 4th of 16 teams |
14 | 1964 | ![]() | 4th of 13 teams | ![]() | 3rd of 13 teams |
# | Year | Defending champions | Finish | Defending runners-up | Finish |
15 | 1968 | ![]() | 3rd of 15 teams | ![]() | 1st of 15 teams |
16 | 1972 | ![]() | 5th of 16 teams | ![]() | 1st of 16 teams |
17 | 1976 | ![]() | 8th of 12 teams | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams |
18 | 1980 | ![]() | 3rd of 12 teams | ![]() | 8th of 12 teams |
19 | 1984 | ![]() | Qualified but withdrew | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams |
20 | 1988 | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams | ![]() | 2nd of 12 teams |
21 | 1992 | ![]() | Defunct | ![]() | 4th of 12 teams |
22 | 1996 | ![]() | 3rd of 12 teams | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams |
23 | 2000 | ![]() | 4th of 12 teams | ![]() | 7th of 12 teams |
24 | 2004 | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams | ![]() | 3rd of 12 teams |
25 | 2008 | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams | ![]() | Defunct |
26 | 2012 | ![]() | 5th of 12 teams | ![]() | 8th of 12 teams |
27 | 2016 | ![]() | 2nd of 12 teams | ![]() | 3rd of 12 teams |
28 | 2020 | ![]() | 1st of 12 teams | ![]() | 5th of 12 teams |
# | Year | Defending champions | Finish | Defending runners-up | Finish |
Best finishes by team
The following table is pre-sorted by best finish (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.
Legend and abbreviation
- Year* – As host team
- Team† – Defunct team
- Apps – Appearances
- stats – Olympic water polo team statistics
Rk | Men's team[1] | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | Champions (1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008) | 23 | Europe – LEN |
2 | ![]() | Champions (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
3 | ![]() | Champions (1948, 1960*, 1992) | 21 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Champions (1968, 1984, 1988) | 12 | Europe – LEN | |
5 | ![]() | Champions (2016, 2020) | 4 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Champions (1972, 1980*) | 9 | Europe – LEN | |
7 | ![]() | Champions (2012) | 7 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Champions (1924*) | 11 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Champions (1928) | 9 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Champions (1996) | 18 | Europe – LEN | |
11 | ![]() | Runners-up (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924) | 11 | Europe – LEN |
12 | ![]() | Runners-up (1984*, 1988, 2008) | 22 | Americas – UANA |
13 | ![]() | Runners-up (2020) | 16 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Runners-up (2000) | 3 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Runners-up (2004) | 1 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Runners-up (1912*) | 8 | Europe – LEN | |
17 | ![]() | Third place (1948, 1976) | 17 | Europe – LEN |
18 | ![]() | Third place (1992) | 1 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Third place (1984) | 5 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Third place (2000) | 2 | Europe – LEN | |
21 | ![]() | Fourth place (2008, 2012, 2016) | 4 | Europe – LEN |
22 | ![]() | Fourth place (1912) | 3 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Fourth place (1932) | 9 | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | Fourth place (1976) | 9 | Europe – LEN | |
25 | ![]() | Fifth place (1984, 1992) | 17 | Oceania – OSA |
26 | ![]() | Fifth place (1980) | 5 | Americas – UANA |
27 | ![]() | Sixth place (1956, 1960, 1964) | 3 | Europe – LEN |
28 | ![]() | Sixth place (1920) | 8 | Americas – UANA |
![]() | Sixth place (1924) | 5 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Sixth place (1968) | 1 | Europe – LEN | |
31 | ![]() | Seventh place (1948) | 6 | Africa – CANA |
32 | ![]() | Eighth place (1928) | 2 | Europe – LEN |
33 | ![]() | Ninth place (1976*) | 4 | Americas – UANA |
![]() | Ninth place (1984) | 3 | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | Ninth place (1924) | 2 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Ninth place (2000) | 4 | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | Ninth place (1960) | 3 | Africa – CANA | |
38 | ![]() | Tenth place (1948) | 4 | Americas – UANA |
![]() | Tenth place (1976) | 4 | Americas – UANA | |
![]() | Tenth place (1956) | 1 | Asia – AASF | |
41 | ![]() | Eleventh place (1972) | 2 | Europe – LEN |
![]() | Eleventh place (1928) | 1 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Eleventh place (1920) | 5 | Europe – LEN | |
44 | ![]() | Twelfth place (1948) | 2 | Asia – AASF |
![]() | Twelfth place (1976) | 1 | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | Twelfth place (2000) | 1 | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | Twelfth place (1988*) | 1 | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | Twelfth place (1996) | 1 | Europe – LEN | |
49 | ![]() | Thirteenth place (1936) | 2 | Americas – UANA |
50 | ![]() | Fifteenth place (1936) | 1 | Europe – LEN |
51 | ![]() | Seventeenth place (1948) | 1 | Americas – UANA |
52 | ![]() | Twentieth place (1952) | 1 | Europe – LEN |
Rk | Men's team | Best finish | Apps | Confederation |
Finishes in the top four
The following table is pre-sorted by total finishes in the top four (in descending order), number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.
Legend
- Year* – As host team
- Team† – Defunct team
Rk | Men's team[1] | Total | Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Fourth place | First | Last |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 17 | 9 (1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008) | 3 (1928, 1948, 1972) | 4 (1960, 1968, 1980, 2020) | 2 (1996, 2024) | 1928 | 2024 |
2 | ![]() | 11 | 3 (1948, 1960*, 1992) | 2 (1976, 2012) | 3 (1952, 1996, 2016) | 3 (1956, 1964, 1968) | 1948 | 2016 |
3 | ![]() | 10 | 3 (1984*, 1988, 2008) | 4 (1924, 1932*, 1972, 2024) | 3 (1920, 1952, 1992) | 1920 | 2024 | |
4 | ![]() | 8 | 3 (1968, 1984, 1988) | 4 (1952, 1956, 1964, 1980) | 1 (1960) | 1952 | 1988 | |
5 | ![]() | 7 | 2 (1972, 1980*) | 2 (1960, 1968) | 3 (1956, 1964, 1988) | 1956 | 1988 | |
6 | ![]() | 7 | 4 (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924) | 2 (1912, 1936) | 1 (1948) | 1900 | 1948 | |
7 | ![]() | 6 | 1 (1996) | 1 (1992*) | 4 (1980, 1984, 2000, 2020) | 1980 | 2020 | |
8 | ![]() | 5 | 4 (1900, 1908*, 1912, 1920) | 1 (1928) | 1900 | 1928 | ||
9 | ![]() | 5 | 1 (1924*) | 3 (1900*×2[c], 1928) | 1 (1936) | 1900 | 1936 | |
10 | ![]() | 5 | 3 (2016, 2020, 2024) | 2 (2008, 2012) | 2008 | 2024 | ||
11 | ![]() | 4 | 1 (2012) | 3 (1996, 2016, 2024) | 1996 | 2024 | ||
12 | ![]() | 4 | 1 (1912*) | 2 (1908, 1920) | 1 (1924) | 1908 | 1924 | |
13 | ![]() | 3 | 1 (1928) | 2 (1932, 1936*) | 1928 | 1936 | ||
14 | ![]() | 3 | 2 (1948, 1976) | 1 (1908) | 1908 | 1976 | ||
15 | ![]() | 3 | 1 (1984) | 2 (1972*, 1988) | 1972 | 1988 | ||
16 | ![]() | 3 | 3 (2008, 2012, 2016) | 2008 | 2016 | |||
17 | ![]() | 2 | 1 (2000) | 1 (2004) | 2000 | 2004 | ||
18 | ![]() | 2 | 1 (2020) | 1 (2004*) | 2004 | 2020 | ||
19 | ![]() | 1 | 1 (2004) | 2004 | 2004 | |||
20 | ![]() | 1 | 1 (2000) | 2000 | 2000 | |||
![]() | 1 (1992) | 1992 | 1992 | |||||
22 | ![]() | 1 | 1 (1912) | 1912 | 1912 | |||
![]() | 1 (1932) | 1932 | 1932 | |||||
![]() | 1 (1976) | 1976 | 1976 | |||||
Rk | Men's team | Total | Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Fourth place | First | Last |
Medal table
The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic gold medals (in descending order), number of Olympic silver medals (in descending order), number of Olympic bronze medals (in descending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 11 August 2024.
Hungary is the most successful country in the men's Olympic water polo tournament, with nine gold, three silver and four bronze.[1]
- Legend
- Team† – Defunct team
Rank | Men's team | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 9 | 3 | 4 | 16 |
2 | ![]() | 3 | 4 | 0 | 7 |
3 | ![]() | 3 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
4 | ![]() | 3 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
5 | ![]() | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
6 | ![]() | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
7 | ![]() | 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 |
8 | ![]() | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
9 | ![]() | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
10 | ![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
11 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
12 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
13 | ![]() | 0 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
14 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
15 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
![]() | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
17 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
18 | ![]() | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
19 | ![]() | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
![]() | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
Totals (20 entries) | 29 | 29 | 30 | 88 |
Longest active appearance droughts
The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic tournaments missed (in descending order), year of the last appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.
Notes:
- Does not include teams that have not yet made their first appearance at the Olympics or teams that no longer exist.
- With the exception of 1916, 1940 and 1944, does not include droughts when the Olympic tournament was not held due to World War I and II.
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
Rk | Men's team[1] | Last appearance | Olympics missed | Best finish | Confederation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 1928 | 21 | Ninth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1928 | 21 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN | |
3 | ![]() | 1936 | 19 | Fifteenth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1936 | 19 | Eighth place | Europe – LEN | |
5 | ![]() | 1948 | 18 | Seventeenth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 1948 | 18 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1948 | 18 | Thirteenth place | Americas – UANA | |
8 | ![]() | 1952 | 17 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1952 | 17 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1952 | 17 | Twentieth place | Europe – LEN | |
11 | ![]() | 1956 | 16 | Tenth place | Asia – AASF |
12 | ![]() | 1960 | 15 | Tenth place | Americas – UANA |
13 | ![]() | 1964 | 14 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN |
14 | ![]() | 1976 | 11 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF |
![]() | 1976 | 11 | Tenth place | Americas – UANA | |
16 | ![]() | 1980 | 10 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1980 | 10 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
18 | ![]() | 1988* | 8 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF |
19 | ![]() | 1992 | 7 | Fifth place | Americas – UANA |
20 | ![]() | 1996 | 6 | Twelfth place | Europe – LEN |
21 | ![]() | 2000 | 5 | Third place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 2000 | 5 | Twelfth place | Europe – LEN | |
23 | ![]() | 2004 | 4 | Seventh place | Africa – CANA |
![]() | 2004 | 4 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
25 | ![]() | 2008 | 3 | Ninth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 2008* | 3 | Ninth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 2008 | 3 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
28 | ![]() | 2012* | 2 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 2012 | 2 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN | |
30 | ![]() | 2016* | 1 | Sixth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 2016 | 1 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
32 | ![]() | 2020 | 0 | Fifth place | Oceania – OSA |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020* | 0 | Fourth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Ninth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Ninth place | Africa – CANA | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | 0 | Runners-up | Americas – UANA | |
Rk | Men's team | Last appearance | Olympics missed | Best finish | Confederation |
Longest appearance droughts overall
The following table is pre-sorted by number of Olympic tournaments missed (in descending order), year of the previous appearance (in ascending order), name of the team (in ascending order), respectively. Last updated: 8 August 2021.
Notes:
- Only includes droughts begun after a team's first appearance and until the team ceased to exist.
- With the exception of 1916, 1940 and 1944, does not include droughts when the Olympic tournament was not held due to World War I and II.
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
- Team† – Defunct team
Rk | Men's team[1] | Prev. appearance | Next appearance | Olympics missed | Best finish | Confederation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 1928 | active | 21 | Ninth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1928 | active | 21 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN | |
3 | ![]() | 1936 | active | 19 | Fifteenth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1936 | active | 19 | Eighth place | Europe – LEN | |
5 | ![]() | 1948 | active | 18 | Seventeenth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 1948 | active | 18 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1948 | active | 18 | Thirteenth place | Americas – UANA | |
8 | ![]() | 1952 | active | 17 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1952 | active | 17 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1952 | active | 17 | Twentieth place | Europe – LEN | |
11 | ![]() | 1956 | active | 16 | Tenth place | Asia – AASF |
12 | ![]() | 1960 | active | 15 | Tenth place | Americas – UANA |
13 | ![]() | 1960 | 2020 | 14 | Ninth place | Africa – CANA |
![]() | 1964 | active | 14 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
15 | ![]() | 1956 | 2012* | 13 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
16 | ![]() | 1936 | 1992 | 11 | Sixth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1976 | active | 11 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1976 | active | 11 | Tenth place | Americas – UANA | |
19 | ![]() | 1980 | active | 10 | Eleventh place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1980 | active | 10 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
21 | ![]() | 1952 | 1992 | 9 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
22 | ![]() | 1968 | 2004 | 8 | Seventh place | Africa – CANA |
![]() | 1988* | active | 8 | Twelfth place | Asia – AASF | |
24 | ![]() | 1984 | 2016* | 7 | Sixth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 1984 | 2016 | 7 | Fourth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 1992 | active | 7 | Fifth place | Americas – UANA | |
27 | ![]() | 1960 | 1988 | 6 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1996 | active | 6 | Twelfth place | Europe – LEN | |
29 | ![]() | 1984 | 2008 | 5 | Ninth place | Americas – UANA |
![]() | 2000 | active | 5 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2000 | active | 5 | Twelfth place | Europe – LEN | |
32 | ![]() | 1948 | 1968 | 4 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1988 | 2008* | 4 | Ninth place | Asia – AASF | |
![]() | 2004 | active | 4 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
35 | ![]() | 1924 | 1948 | 3 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1952 | 1968 | 3 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1980 | 1996 | 3 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN | |
1996 | 2012 | 3 | ||||
38 | ![]() | 1972 | 1984* | 2 | Runners-up | Americas – UANA |
39 | ![]() | 1912 | 1924 | 1 | Champions | Europe – LEN |
1980 | 1988 | 1 | ||||
![]() | 1964 | 1972 | 1 | Fifth place | Oceania – OSA | |
1992 | 2000* | 1 | ||||
![]() | 1976 | 1984 | 1 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1980* | 1988 | 1 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2004 | 2012 | 1 | Ninth place | Asia – AASF | |
2012 | 2020 | 1 | ||||
44 | ![]() | 1964 | defunct | 0 | Sixth place | Europe – LEN |
![]() | 1968 | defunct | 0 | Sixth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1988 | defunct | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 1992 | defunct | 0 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2000 | defunct | 0 | Third place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2004 | defunct | 0 | Runners-up | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | active | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | active | 0 | Fourth place | Europe – LEN | |
![]() | 2020 | active | 0 | Champions | Europe – LEN | |
Rk | Men's team | Prev. appearance | Next appearance | Olympics missed | Best finish | Confederation |
Team records
Teams having equal quantities in the tables below are ordered by the tournament the quantity was attained in (the teams that attained the quantity first are listed first). If the quantity was attained by more than one team in the same tournament, these teams are ordered alphabetically. Last updated: 8 August 2021.
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
- Team† – Defunct team
Appearances
- Most appearances
- 23, Hungary (1912, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
- Most appearances, never winning a title
- 21, United States (1920, 1924, 1928, 1932*, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1984*, 1988, 1992, 1996*, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).
- Most appearances, never finishing in the top two
- 17, Netherlands (1908, 1920, 1924, 1928*, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000).
- Most appearances, never winning a medal
- 16, Australia (1948, 1952, 1956*, 1960, 1964, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000*, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).
- Most appearances, never finishing in the top four
- 16, Australia (1948, 1952, 1956*, 1960, 1964, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000*, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).
- Fewest appearances
- 1, Luxembourg (1928), Iceland (1936), Chile (1948), Portugal (1952), Singapore (1956), East Germany† (1968), Iran (1976), South Korea (1988*), Unified Team†[b] (1992), Ukraine (1996), Slovakia (2000), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
- Fewest appearances, winning a title
- 4, Serbia (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
- Fewest appearances, finishing in the top two
- 1, Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
- Fewest appearances, finishing in the top two, active team
- 3, Russia (1996, 2000, 2004).
- Fewest appearances, winning a medal
- 1, Unified Team†[b] (1992), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
- Fewest appearances, winning a medal, active team
- 3, Russia (1996, 2000, 2004).
- Fewest appearances, finishing in the top four
- 1, Unified Team†[b] (1992), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
- Fewest appearances, finishing in the top four, active team
- 3, Austria (1912, 1936, 1952), Russia (1996, 2000, 2004).
Top four
- Most titles won
- 9, Hungary (1932, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008).
- Most second-place finishes
- 4, Belgium (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924), Yugoslavia† (1952, 1956, 1964, 1980).
- Most third-place finishes
- 4, Hungary (1960, 1968, 1980, 2020).
- Most fourth-place finishes
- 4, Spain (1980, 1984, 2000, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top two
- 12, Hungary (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1972, 1976, 2000, 2004, 2008).
- Most finishes in the top two, never winning a title
- 4, Belgium (1900, 1908, 1920*, 1924).
- Most finishes in the top three
- 16, Hungary (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top three, never winning a title
- 6, Belgium (1900, 1908, 1912, 1920*, 1924, 1936), United States (1924, 1932, 1972, 1984, 1988, 2008).
- Most finishes in the top three, never finishing in the top two
- 2, Netherlands (1948, 1976).
- Most finishes in the top four
- 17, Hungary (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2020).
- Most finishes in the top four, never winning a title
- 9, United States (1920, 1924, 1932*, 1952, 1972, 1984*, 1988, 1992, 2008).
- Most finishes in the top four, never finishing in the top two
- 3, Netherlands (1908, 1948, 1976), West Germany† (1972*, 1984, 1988), Montenegro (2008, 2012, 2016).
- Most finishes in the top four, never winning a medal
- 3, Montenegro (2008, 2012, 2016).
- Fewest finishes in the top two, winning a title
- 1, France (1924*).
- Fewest finishes in the top three, winning a title
- 2, Spain (1992*, 1996).
- Fewest finishes in the top three, finishing in the top two
- 1, Serbia and Montenegro† (2004), Greece (2020).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a title
- 3, Germany (1928, 1932, 1936*), Croatia (1996, 2012, 2016).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, finishing in the top two
- 1, Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, finishing in the top two, active team
- 2, Russia (2000, 2004), Greece (2004, 2020).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a medal
- 1, Unified Team†[b] (1992), FR Yugoslavia† (2000), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
- Fewest finishes in the top four, winning a medal, active team
- 2, Russia (2000, 2004), Greece (2004, 2020).
Consecutive
- Most consecutive titles won
- 3, Great Britain (1908*–1912–1920), Hungary (2000–2004–2008).
- Most consecutive second-place finishes
- 2, Belgium (1920*–1924), Germany (1932–1936*), Yugoslavia† (1952–1956), United States (1984*–1988).
- Most consecutive third-place finishes
- 2, Serbia (2008–2012).
- Most consecutive fourth-place finishes
- 3, Montenegro (2008–2012–2016).
- Most consecutive finishes in the top two
- 6, Hungary (1928–1932–1936–1948–1952–1956).
- Most consecutive finishes in the top three
- 12, Hungary (1928–1932–1936–1948–1952–1956–1960–1964–1968–1972–1976–1980).
- Most consecutive finishes in the top four
- 12, Hungary (1928–1932–1936–1948–1952–1956–1960–1964–1968–1972–1976–1980).
- Most consecutive appearances
- 19, Italy (1948–1952–1956–1960*–1964–1968–1972–1976–1980–1984–1988–1992–1996–2000–2004–2008–2012–2016–2020).
- Biggest improvement in position in consecutive tournaments
- Did not participate/qualify, then won the title, Germany (1924–1928), Italy (1936–1948).
Gaps
- Longest gap between successive titles
- 24 years, Hungary (1976–2000).
- Longest gap between successive second-place finishes
- 36 years, Italy (1976–2012).
- Longest gap between successive third-place finishes
- 44 years, Italy (1952–1996).
- Longest gap between successive fourth-place finishes
- 40 years, United States (1952–1992).
- Longest gap between successive appearances in the top two
- 24 years, Hungary (1976–2000).
- Longest gap between successive appearances in the top three
- 40 years, United States (1932*–1972).
- Longest gap between successive appearances in the top four
- 40 years, Netherlands (1908–1948).
- Longest gap between successive appearances
- 61 years, South Africa (1960–2020).
Debuting teams
- Best finish by a debuting team
- Champions, Great Britain (1900).
- Best finish by a debuting team after 1900
- Runners-up, Croatia (1996), Serbia and Montenegro† (2004).
- Worst finish by a debuting team
- 20th position, Portugal (1952).
- Worst finish by a debuting team after 1972
- 12th position (last position), Iran (1976), South Korea (1988*), Ukraine (1996), Slovakia (2000).
Host teams
- Best finish by host team
- Champions, Great Britain (1908*), France (1924*), Italy (1960*), Soviet Union† (1980*).
- Worst finish by host team
- Did not participate/qualify, Finland (1952*).
- Worst finish by host team that participates in the tournament
- 13th position, Great Britain (1948*).
- Worst finish by host team that participates in the tournament after 1972
- 12th position (last position), South Korea (1988*), China (2008*), Great Britain (2012*).
- Best finish by last host team
- Champions, Great Britain (1912), Spain (1996).
- Worst finish by last host team
- Did not participate/qualify, Netherlands (1932), Germany (1948), Canada (1980), Soviet Union† (1984, withdrew), South Korea (1992), China (2012), Great Britain (2016), Brazil (2020).
- Worst finish by last host team that participates in the tournament
- 15th position, Australia (1960).
- Worst finish by last host team that participates in the tournament after 1972
- 9th position, Australia (2004).
- Had its best performance as hosts
- Champions, Great Britain (1908*), France (1924*), Italy (1960*), Soviet Union† (1980*).
Runners-up, Sweden (1912*), Belgium (1920*), United States (1984*).
9th position, Canada (1976*).
12th position, South Korea (1988*). - Had its worst performance as hosts
- 12th position, South Korea (1988*), China (2008*).
13th position, Great Britain (1948*). - Had its worst performance as hosts after 1972
- 12th position (last position), South Korea (1988*), China (2008*), Great Britain (2012*).
Defending champions
- Best finish by defending champions
- Champions, Great Britain (1912, 1920), Hungary (1936, 1956, 2004, 2008), Yugoslavia† (1988), Serbia (2020).
- Worst finish by defending champions
- Did not participate/qualify, Soviet Union† (1984, withdrew), Yugoslavia† (1992, defunct).
- Worst finish by defending champions that participates in the next tournament
- 8th position, Great Britain (1924), Soviet Union† (1976).
Defending runners-up
- Best finish by defending runners-up
- Champions, Hungary (1932, 1952, 1976), Soviet Union† (1972), Spain (1996), Yugoslavia† (1968, 1984).
- Worst finish by defending runners-up
- Did not participate/qualify, Germany (1948), Serbia and Montenegro† (2008, defunct).
- Worst finish by defending runners-up that participates in the next tournament
- 8th position, Italy (1980), United States (2012).
Population
- Most populated country, participant
- China (2008*), 1,324,655,000 (source)
- Least populated country, participant
- Iceland (1928), 104,000 (source)
- Least populated country, participant, after 1972
- Montenegro (2008), 616,000 (source)
- Most populated country, hosts
- China (2008*), 1,324,655,000 (source)
- Least populated country, hosts
- Finland (1952*), 4,090,000 (source)
- Most populated country, champions
- Soviet Union† (1980*), more than 260,000,000 (source)
- Least populated country, champions
- Croatia (2012), 4,267,000 (source)
- Most populated country, runners-up
- United States (2008), 304,375,000 (source)
- Least populated country, runners-up
- Croatia (1996), 4,516,000 (source)
- Most populated country, third place
- Unified Team†[b] (1992), more than 280,000,000 (source)
- Least populated country, third place
- Sweden (1908), 5,404,000 (source)
- Most populated country, fourth place
- United States (1992), 256,514,000 (source)
- Least populated country, fourth place
- Montenegro (2008), 616,000 (source)
Confederation statistics
Number of teams by confederation
This is a summary of the total number of participating teams by confederation in each tournament. Last updated: 7 August 2021.
- Legend
- – Forthcoming tournament
Confederation | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa – CANA | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | — | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | |
Americas – UANA | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
Asia – AASF | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Europe – LEN | 7 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 2 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | |
Oceania – OSA | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
Total teams | 7 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 5 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 10 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Best performances by tournament
This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation in each tournament.[1] Last updated: 8 August 2021.
Note: italic number in header means unofficial tournament was held.
Legend
- 1st – Champions
- 2nd – Runners-up
- 3rd – Third place
- 4th – Fourth place
- Q – Qualified for forthcoming tournament
Confederation | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 00 | 04 | 08 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa – CANA | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 7th | 10th | — | 9th | 12th | 15th | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 12th | — | — | — | 12th | — | |
Americas – UANA | — | — | — | 4th | 3rd | 7th | 3rd | 9th | 10th | 4th | 5th | 7th | 9th | 5th | 3rd | 7th | 5th | 2nd | 2nd | 4th | 7th | 6th | 7th | 2nd | 8th | 10th | 6th | 3rd | |
Asia – AASF | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4th | 14th | 12th | 21st | 10th | 14th | 11th | 12th | 15th | 12th | — | 9th | 11th | — | — | 9th | 11th | 12th | 11th | 12th | 10th | 11th | |
Europe – LEN | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | |
Oceania – OSA | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 18th | 19th | 9th | 15th | 10th | — | 12th | 11th | 7th | 5th | 8th | 5th | — | 8th | 9th | 8th | 7th | 9th | 9th | 8th | |
Total teams | 7 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 5 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 10 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
All-time best performances
This is a summary of the best performances of each confederation at the Olympics.[1] Last updated: 8 August 2021.
- Legend
- Year* – As host team
- Team† – Defunct team
Confederation | Best performance | Men's team |
---|---|---|
Africa – CANA | 7th | ![]() |
Americas – UANA | 2nd | ![]() |
Asia – AASF | 4th | ![]() |
Europe – LEN | 1st | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Oceania – OSA | 5th | ![]() |
See also
- Lists of Olympic water polo records and statistics
- List of men's Olympic water polo tournament records and statistics
- List of women's Olympic water polo tournament records and statistics
- List of Olympic champions in men's water polo
- List of Olympic champions in women's water polo
- National team appearances in the women's Olympic water polo tournament
- List of players who have appeared in multiple men's Olympic water polo tournaments
- List of players who have appeared in multiple women's Olympic water polo tournaments
- List of Olympic medalists in water polo (men)
- List of Olympic medalists in water polo (women)
- List of men's Olympic water polo tournament top goalscorers
- List of women's Olympic water polo tournament top goalscorers
- List of men's Olympic water polo tournament goalkeepers
- List of women's Olympic water polo tournament goalkeepers
- List of Olympic venues in water polo
- FINA Water Polo World Rankings
- List of water polo world medalists
- Major achievements in water polo by nation
Notes
- ^ At the 1932 Olympics, Brazil was disqualified after their players attacked the Hungarian referee at the end of their match against Germany. Their two matches were annulled. Therefore, Hungary and Japan won their games scheduled with Brazil, by forfeit. For more details, please see the Official Report of the 1932 Olympic Games (pp. 650–651), and here.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o In 1992, 12 of the 15 former Soviet Republics competed together as the Unified Team and marched under the Olympic Flag in the Barcelona Games.
- ^ a b c d France had four teams compete in 1900. Bronze medals were given to the losers of both semifinals; France took both bronze. Bill Burgess, a member of one of the French bronze team was a British nationality, so later IOC attributed one bronze medal to Mixed team.
- ^ The Olympic Committee of the Soviet Union was formed on 21 April 1951, and was recognised by the International Olympic Committee on 7 May 1951.
- ^ a b c d e f g After the breakup of Yugoslavia, FR Yugoslavia men's national water polo team participated at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, and won a bronze medal in 2000. In 2003, after the country was renamed from FR Yugoslavia to Serbia and Montenegro, the team was also renamed to "Serbia and Montenegro men's national water polo team". Despite the renaming of the country name, both team of FR Yugoslavia and team of Serbia and Montenegro represented the same national entity: a joint state of Montenegro and Serbia.
- ^ While Australia had qualified to compete as one of sixteen water polo teams, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) did not endorse them. The Australian players responded by paying their own way to travel to Mexico City, but the team were not allowed to compete. For more details, please see here (1, 2).
- ^ British team won gold medal in 1900. Victor Lindberg, a member of British team was a New Zealander, so later IOC attributed gold medal to Mixed team.
- ^ Previously, the International Olympic Committee and International Swimming Federation (FINA) considered the water polo event at the 1904 Olympics as a demonstration sport. However, in July 2021, after accepting the recommendation of Olympic historian Bill Mallon, the IOC recognized water polo along with several others as an official sport of the 1904 Olympic program.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "HistoFINA – Water polo medalists and statistics" (PDF). fina.org. FINA. September 2019. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
- ^ "Water polo men - Olympic Water Polo". olympic.org. International Olympic Committee. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ "Water Polo — Water Polo, Men". olympedia.org. Olympedia. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
Sources
Official Reports (IOC)
PDF documents in the LA84 Foundation Digital Library:
- Official Report of the 1896 Olympic Games (download, archive)
- Official Report of the 1900 Olympic Games (download, archive)
- Official Report of the 1904 Olympic Games (download, archive)
- Official Report of the 1908 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 359–361)
- Official Report of the 1912 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 1021–1024, 1031–1037)
- Official Report of the 1920 Olympic Games (download, archive) (p. 130)
- Official Report of the 1924 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 439–440, 486–494)
- Official Report of the 1928 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 746–757, 797–807)
- Official Report of the 1932 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 619–623, 646–652)
- Official Report of the 1936 Olympic Games, v.2 (download, archive) (pp. 345–356)
- Official Report of the 1948 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 537–540, 640–647)
- Official Report of the 1952 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 600–608)
- Official Report of the 1956 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 592–594, 624–627)
- Official Report of the 1960 Olympic Games (download, archive) (pp. 552–555, 617–634)
- Official Report of the 1964 Olympic Games, v.2 (download, archive) (pp. 682–698)
- Official Report of the 1968 Olympic Games, v.3 (download, archive) (pp. 449–466, 811–826)
- Official Report of the 1972 Olympic Games, v.3 (download, archive) (pp. 331, 353–365)
- Official Report of the 1976 Olympic Games, v.3 (download, archive) (pp. 446–447, 484–497)
- Official Report of the 1980 Olympic Games, v.3 (download, archive) (pp. 458, 495–510)
- Official Report of the 1984 Olympic Games, v.2 (download, archive) (pp. 528–534)
- Official Report of the 1988 Olympic Games, v.2 (download, archive) (pp. 590–598)
- Official Report of the 1992 Olympic Games, v.5 (download, archive) (pp. 354, 386–400)
- Official Report of the 1996 Olympic Games, v.3 (download, archive) (pp. 56–73)
Official Results Books (IOC)
PDF documents in the LA84 Foundation Digital Library:
- Official Results Book – 2000 Olympic Games – Water Polo (download, archive)
- Official Results Book – 2004 Olympic Games – Water Polo (download, archive)
- Official Results Book – 2008 Olympic Games – Water Polo (download, archive)
PDF documents on the FINA website:
- Official Results Book – 2012 Olympic Games – Diving, Swimming, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo (archive) (pp. 284–507)
PDF documents in the Olympic World Library:
- Official Results Book – 2016 Olympic Games – Water Polo (archive)
PDF documents on the International Olympic Committee website:
- Official Results Book – 2020 Olympic Games – Water Polo (archive)
Official Reports (FINA)
PDF documents on the FINA website:
- HistoFINA – Water polo medalists and statistics (as of September 2019) (archive) (pp. 4–13)
- 1870–2020 | 150 years of Water Polo – Evolution of its rules (archive)
Official website (IOC)
Water polo on the International Olympic Committee website:
- Water polo
- Men's water polo
Olympedia
Water polo on the Olympedia website:
- Water polo Archived 2021-12-28 at the Wayback Machine
- Men's water polo
- Athlete count for water polo
- Water polo venues
- Water polo at the 1900 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1904 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1908 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1912 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1920 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1924 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1928 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1932 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1936 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1948 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1952 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1956 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1960 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1964 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1968 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1972 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1976 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1980 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1984 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1988 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1992 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1996 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 2000 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 2004 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 2008 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 2012 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 2016 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 2020 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
Sports Reference
Water polo on the Sports Reference website:
- Country Medal Leaders & Athlete Medal Leaders (1900–2016) (archived)
- Men's water polo (1900–2016) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1900 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1904 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1908 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1912 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1920 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1924 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1928 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1932 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1936 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1948 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1952 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1956 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1960 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1964 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1968 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1972 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1976 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1980 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1984 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1988 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1992 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 1996 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 2000 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 2004 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 2008 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 2012 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 2016 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
- Water polo at the 2020 Summer Games (men's tournament) (archived)
Todor66
Water polo on the Todor66 website:
- Water polo at the Summer Games
- Water polo at the 1900 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1904 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1908 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1912 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1920 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1924 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1928 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1932 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1936 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1948 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1952 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1956 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1960 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1964 Summer Olympics (men's tournament)
- Water polo at the 1968 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 1972 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 1976 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's European qualification)
- Water polo at the 1980 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's European qualification, men's world qualification)
- Water polo at the 1984 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 1988 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 1992 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 1996 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 2000 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 2004 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 2008 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 2012 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 2016 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 2020 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
- Water polo at the 2024 Summer Olympics (men's tournament, men's qualification)
External links
- Olympic water polo – Official website