Irvine, CA - January 18 - Fukuoka, Japan returns as the focal point of elite aquatics athletes and championship events, with the city set to host its second World Aquatics Championships this July after having successfully holding the event in 2001.

Following consultation with athletes, teams, broadcasters and other key stakeholders, World Aquatics and the local event organizers have locked in the dates and times for the 20^th edition of the World Aquatics Championships where some 2,000 athletes from nearly 200 countries are expected to take part.

Water Polo is scheduled to begin play at Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall B on July 16 (Women) & July 17 (Men), with the Knockout Stage starting on July 22 (Women) & July 23 (Men), and the Final Round set for July 28 (Women) & July 29 (Men).

World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam expressed his excitement for the competitions at the upcoming World Aquatics Championships, and his satisfaction at the certainty that announcing the competition schedules brings for athletes and countries. 

"It's with immense pleasure that we are able to confirm the competition schedule for the World Aquatics Championships Fukuoka 2023. We have been eagerly awaiting our return to competing in front of the aquatic fans from Fukuoka, Japan, and the rest of the world. This competition schedule is an important step in preparing the showcase for aquatics athletes to shine," the World Aquatics President said. "The flexibility and resolve that Fukuoka has shown to host these championships, following the global pandemic, has been extremely impressive and has been of great benefit to our sports and our athletes. We are once again looking forward with eager anticipation to seeing aquatics sport take centre stage again in Fukuoka."

Full Competition Schedule for the World Aquatics Championships Fukuoka 2023