Water polo at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Lore & Background

The men's competition consisted of two stages: a group stage followed by a knockout stage. The teams were divided into two groups of six countries, playing every team in their group once. Two points were awarded for a victory, one point for a draw. The top four teams per group qualified for the quarterfinals. The women's competition also consisted of two stages: a group stage followed by a knockout stage. The teams were divided into two groups of four countries, playing every team in their group once. Two points were awarded for a victory, one for a draw. All teams qualified for the quarterfinals.

Reader's Guide

The 2016 water polo tournaments marked a significant change in rules: overtime was abolished in 2013, so elimination-round ties were decided by shootouts. This streamlined the competition and increased the drama of knockout matches. The event featured a total of twenty teams, with twelve men's and eight women's squads, all competing at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre. The group stage format—two groups of six for men, two groups of four for women—ensured a broad representation of nations. The men's tournament saw the top four from each group advance, while all women's teams qualified for the quarterfinals. This structure balanced competitive intensity with inclusivity. The 2016 Games remain a reference point for the modern Olympic water polo format, particularly the shootout rule that replaced overtime.

Did You Know?

• Games that ended in ties in elimination rounds were decided by two three-minute overtime periods, followed by a shootout if still tied.
• Twenty teams competed: twelve for men and eight for women.
• The tournaments took place from 6 to 20 August at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre in Barra da Tijuca.
• In the group stage, two points were awarded for a victory and one point for a draw.