Sometimes it’s about the people, not the place. For Marcus Berehulak, this couldn’t feel more true.
As the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks put the finishing touches on their preparation for the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals in Sydney, Berehulak admits that a home World Cup Finals might just top what many athletes would consider the pinnacle of sport, the Olympic Games.
“I’m looking forward to the World Cup Finals more than the Paris Olympics, to be honest,” Berehulak said.
“I think Paris was amazing in the respect that it was an Olympic Games,”
“But to have a World Cup Finals in Sydney, with a home crowd and all the friends and family there, it’s going to be an incredible experience.”
For Berehulak, it’s the chance to share the experience with the people closest to him that makes it something even bigger than an Olympic Games.
“I’m really excited, I know all the boys are. It’s going to be really special.”
Berehulak’s sense of connection extends beyond the stands, where the squad is boosted by the return of veteran teammate Blake Edwards after a two-year break from the pool.
“It’s crucial that we have that lifted experience from Blake,” Berehulak said.
“Having him back is incredible. For all the younger guys to learn, but also to have his influence back in the team and all of the added experience that he has.”
With just under a week to go until the Finals in Sydney, Berehulak says the final stretch isn’t about doing anything new, just about locking in what the squad already has, together.
“These last few days are vital for preparation, making sure that we’re all on the same page leading into the tournament.”
“Just knuckling down and making sure that we’re all geared up for a really good campaign in Sydney.”
For Berehulak, the countdown to Sydney isn’t just about showing the world what they Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks have.. It’s about doing it in front of the people who meant the most to him.
ABOUT THE WORLD CUP FINALS
Australia will host the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals for the first time this month, with the top water polo nations to battle it out from 22-26 July 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
The top nations including Paris Olympic men’s silver medalists Croatia (men) and gold medalists Spain (women) will take centre stage, with Aussie sports fans offered a rare glimpse of the world’s top eight men’s and women’s teams competing for the ultimate glory in international water polo.
The Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers were the story of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with their silver medal success, where the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks embraced the underdog status to deliver historic victories against European powerhouses Serbia and Hungary.
Aussie fans will have guaranteed front-row action to the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers and Aussie Sharks World Cup Finals campaign with the teams competing on days one and two of the tournament.
The women’s and men’s semi finals will take place on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 July, with the bronze and gold medal playoffs to be held on Sunday 24 July.
Tickets on sale now – click here
Find out more about the 2026 World Aquatics World Cup Finals – click here
