Croatia is the Only Nation with Medals in Football, Handball, and Water Polo World Cups
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Loading... - Nicholas Leos
- 04 Feb 2025
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Croatia has once again showcased its prowess on the global sports stage by achieving a remarkable feat: it is the only nation to have secured medals in the most recent World Cups of football, handball, and water polo. This achievement underscores Croatia's ability to excel in multiple sports despite its relatively small population of just over 3.8 million.
World Champions in Water Polo
In February 2024, the Croatian men’s water polo team clinched the gold medal at the World Water Polo Championships held in Doha. They triumphed over Italy in a thrilling final, winning 15-13 after a penalty shootout. This victory marked Croatia’s third world champion title in water polo, having previously won in Melbourne in 2007 and Budapest in 2017.
Silver Medalists in Handball
The Croatian handball team added to the nation’s accolades by winning the silver medal at the 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship. Despite a valiant effort, Croatia fell to Denmark with a score of 32-26, securing the silver medal and further solidifying its reputation in the sport.
Bronze in Football
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Croatia secured third place by defeating Morocco in the playoff for third and fourth. This accomplishment added another chapter to Croatia’s impressive football history, following their runner-up finish in 2018 and bronze in 1998.
With this latest success, Croatia stands alone among the 194 countries in the world, as no other nation has managed to secure a medal in all three of these team sports’ most recent World Cups. This achievement highlights Croatia's ability to produce world-class athletes and teams across various disciplines, inspiring admiration and respect worldwide.
Croatia's remarkable accomplishments in football, handball, and water polo not only reflect the nation's sporting talent but also its dedication to excellence in athletics. As Croatia continues to shine on the international stage, it serves as a testament to the potential of smaller nations to compete and succeed in global sports.
