The Georgian national water polo team faced Turkey in the round of 16 of the World Cup qualifiers and won 19–12. It was a thoroughly deserved act of revenge for their defeat by the same side in the group stage.

The victory sends Georgia through to the quarter-finals, where their opponents will be determined in due course, the winner of the Canada–Ukraine tie. To secure a place at the World Cup, Georgia must win two more matches: the quarter-final and the semi-final, with berths at the tournament awarded to both finalists.

Georgia squad and scorers:

Irakli Razmadze, Giorgi Gvetadze; Saba Tkeshelashvili, Vato Dadvani (1), Nika Shushiashvili (3), Andria Bitadze (1), Dushan Vasić (4), Khvicha Jakhaia, Besarion Akhvlediani (3), Giorgi Meskhi (1), Andria Vlahović (3), Luka Chikovani, Stefan Piešivac (2), Saba Machavariani (1).

The 2026 Water Polo World Cup takes place in Australia from July 22 to 26.