The 1980 Summer Olympics water polo tournament was the sole men's aquatic team event, contested across two Moscow venues by 12 national teams.
Key Facts
- Event dates
- 20–29 July 1980
- Teams competing
- 12 teams
- Preliminary groups
- 3 groups of teams
- Venues used
- 2 (Olimpiysky Complex & Luzhniki)
- Events contested
- 1 (men's team)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Water polo had been an established Olympic discipline under FINA governance for decades. As part of the aquatic sports program—alongside swimming and diving—it was included in the 1980 Moscow Games program, with 12 national teams qualifying to compete in the men's tournament.
Twelve teams were divided into three preliminary groups; the top two finishers from each group advanced to Group A of the final round to contest places one through six, while the remaining six teams competed in Group B for places seven through twelve. Matches were held at two Moscow venues between 20 and 29 July 1980.
The tournament produced a final ranking of all twelve participating nations in the men's water polo event. Results counted toward each nation's overall Olympic medal tally, and the competition reinforced FINA's unified governance of aquatic disciplines under the Olympic framework.
Result
at Swimming Pool, Olimpiysky Sports Complex & Outdoor Pool, Luzhniki, Moscow