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The first stage of the 2026 Paddle Europe Canoe Polo Cup concluded this weekend in Thury-Harcourt, France, after two days of intense competition featuring many of Europe's strongest canoe polo nations. Across the Senior Men, Senior Women, U21 Men and U21 Women categories, the tournament provided a valuable opportunity for teams to measure themselves against the continent's elite as preparations continue towards the major international events later this season.

With several reigning European champions and medal-winning nations in action, the event once again demonstrated the depth and quality of European canoe polo.

Germany Dominates the Senior Categories

Germany emerged as the most successful nation of the weekend, claiming victory in both Senior categories.

In the Men's competition, Germany's second team produced an impressive performance to secure gold ahead of host nation France. Germany also placed its main team in third position, underlining the extraordinary depth of the current German programme. Italy finished fourth, while Great Britain completed the top five.

Senior Men Final Ranking

1. Germany B
2. France
3. Germany
4. Italy
5. Great Britain
6. Belgium
7. Switzerland
8. Netherlands
9. Denmark
10. Poland
11. Czechia

The Women's tournament saw Germany continue its dominance by taking the title ahead of Italy and Spain. Great Britain narrowly missed the podium in fourth place, while France and the Netherlands rounded out the top six.

Senior Women Final Ranking

1. Germany
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. Great Britain
5. France
6. Netherlands
7. Denmark
8. Great Britain B

France and Germany Share U21 Success

The U21 competitions highlighted the next generation of European canoe polo talent.

Home supporters had plenty to celebrate as France captured the U21 Men's title after an excellent tournament. Germany secured silver, while Great Britain completed the podium. France's development squad also impressed by finishing fourth overall, demonstrating the strength of the French youth programme.

U21 Men Final Ranking

1. France
2. Germany
3. Great Britain
4. France B
5. Netherlands
6. Switzerland
7. Belgium
8. Denmark
9. Great Britain B

In the U21 Women's competition, Germany added another gold medal to its collection, finishing ahead of France and Spain. Switzerland and the Netherlands completed the top five in one of the most competitive categories of the weekend.

U21 Women Final Ranking

1. Germany
2. France
3. Spain
4. Switzerland
5. Netherlands
6. Great Britain
7. France B
8. Great Britain B

European Champions Continue to Set the Standard

Comparing the results with the most recent European Championship standings, several of Europe's traditional powers once again proved their consistency.

Germany's victories in Senior Women and U21 Women confirmed their status as one of the leading canoe polo nations on the continent. France successfully used home advantage to capture the U21 Men's title, while Germany's double podium in the Men's competition highlighted the remarkable depth available within their national programme.

The event also showcased the growing competitiveness of nations such as Italy, Spain, Great Britain and Switzerland, all of whom secured top-five finishes across multiple categories.

With the opening round now completed, teams will quickly shift their focus to the second stage of the 2026 Paddle Europe Canoe Polo Cup.
The next stop on the European Cup circuit will be the 2026 Paddle Europe Canoe Polo Cup II, scheduled for 5–6 September 2026 at the famous Idroscalo Milano, Italy.

The Milan event is expected to attract another strong international field and will provide teams with a further opportunity to fine-tune their preparations before the end-of-season international championships. Following the performances seen in Thury-Harcourt, all eyes will be on Germany, France, Italy and Spain to see whether they can maintain their momentum or if new challengers will emerge in the race for European Cup success.

Full Results can be found here