Hungary and Montenegro recorded convincing wins in the derby games on the opening day of the 2026 World U18 Championships in Rio Maior (Portugal).
The teams are split into two divisions, and all medalists from the previous championships, held in Argentina in 2024, were drawn into the same group in Division 1 – Hungary (gold), Serbia (silver) and Montenegro (bronze).
Hungary was too strong for Serbia in the replay of the 2024 final. The Hungarians took a 5:0 lead in the first nine minutes. The Serbs, who got on the scoreboard in the 10th minute, never recovered from an opening shock. Hungary took three points with a 17:10 win. Captain Rabb netted five goals.
Stefan Vranes netted five goals to help Montenegro beat Croatia 16:12. The third quarter made the difference in this match. At halftime, the teams were tied at 5:5, but Montenegro scored six goals and conceded two in the third quarter, securing a solid advantage.
Spain narrowly defeated Italy, 13:12, in Group B, and Team USA easily beat China.
The top two teams in Groups A and B will qualify directly for the quarterfinals. The third- and fourth-placed sides in Division 1 groups will go to the crossover round, along with the four winners of Division 2 groups.
2026 World Men’s U18 Championships, Rio Maior, Day 1
Division 1
Group A
Croatia – Montenegro 12:16 (2:3, 3:2, 2:6, 5:5)
Hungary – Serbia 17:10 (4:0, 5:4, 5:2, 3:4)
Group B
Spain – Italy 13:12 (3:3, 3:2, 3:2, 4:5)
China – USA 9:21 (2:4, 1:5, 3:4, 3:8)
Division 2
Group C: New Zealand – Colombia 26:12. Singapore bye.
Group D: Turkiye – Brazil 11:10. Hong Kong bye.
Group E: Australia – South Africa 22:6. Greece bye
Group F: Canada – Argentina 16:8. Portugal bye
Articles about World men’s junior and youth championships
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