Great Britain women’s water polo team will face the Netherlands, Israel and Switzerland in their group D fixtures at the European Aquatics Championships.
Great Britain’s senior women’s water polo team fly out from Manchester on Friday 23 January, ready to open their European Championship campaign on Monday in Funchal against a Netherlands side that places top-5 at last summer's world championships.
The British squad - which secured 11th place in the competition rankings in Singapore - heads to Portugal full of confidence after a strong preparation phase at home and overseas, and will return to the UK on Friday 6 February following the conclusion of their tournament schedule.
The team’s preparations received a major boost earlier this month during a highly productive camp in Zagreb, where the Croatian national team played host.
Across four international test matches - two against France and two against Croatia - Great Britain delivered a perfect set of results, winning all four fixtures. The performances showed encouraging signs in both attack and defence, and provided valuable competitive minutes ahead of the championships.
The coaching staff highlighted the team’s tactical discipline, controlled execution and growing cohesion as key strengths emerging from the camp.
In the final days leading up to departure, the squad completed final training sessions in Manchester. This block allowed the coaching group to refine match‑specific details, strengthen defensive structures and sharpen transitions.
With players arriving in excellent physical shape and carrying confidence from their Zagreb performances, the atmosphere in camp has been focused, positive and determined.
Group stage fixtures confirmed
Great Britain will begin their European Championships campaign with three group-stage matches:
- 26 January – 6.45pm vs Netherlands (NED)
- 27 January – 3.30pm vs Israel (ISR)
- 29 January – 8.15pm vs Switzerland (SUI)
With progression to the top eight at stake, the match against Israel is expected to be a decisive fixture in the group. The team’s recent form places them in a strong position to challenge for a quarter‑final spot.
Supporters can follow every game live through the Eurovision Sport website and app.
Aquatics GB Women’s Water Polo team for 2026 European Aquatics Championships (26th January-5th February 2026)
Cassidy Ball – San Diego Shores (USA)
Lucy Blenkinship – City of Manchester
Katie Brown – City of Liverpool
Amélie Cornell – City of Liverpool
Katy Cutler – City of Bristol / City of Manchester
Harriet Dickens – University of Michigan (USA)
Toula Falvey – CN Catalunya (ESP)
Isobel Howe – City of Manchester
Sophie Jackson – City of Manchester
Amelia Peters – NO Rethymno (GRE)
Katharine Rogers (capt.) – City of Sheffield / London Otter
Elizabeth Ross – Cheltenham
Brooke Tafazolli – City of Manchester
Cecily Turner – ANO Glyfada (GRE)
Team Staff:
Head Coach: Theo Nousios
Assistant Coach: Joanne Mountfield
Team Manager: Paula West
Team Physio: William James
Team Leader: Craig Figes