The 2026 Open Water World Cup is set to make a splash in Golfo Aranci, Sardinia, Italy, with a thrilling lineup of events and a chance for some to make history. With the third stop of the series, the competition is heating up, and the question on everyone's mind is: Can Moesha Johnson make it three in a row? The Australian star has dominated the women's events so far, and her performance in the 10k at the previous stop in Ibiza was nothing short of impressive. But the real question is: Who will challenge her in Golfo Aranci? Italy, known for its depth in open water swimming, especially on the men's side, is a force to be reckoned with. With stars like Gregorio Paltrinieri and Andrea Filadelli, the country has the talent to strike gold. However, the absence of Florian Wellbrock, a kingpin in the open water scene, could shift the odds in Italy's favor. The women's side is no less exciting, with Ginevra Taddeucci, the second-ranked woman in the world, aiming to dethrone Johnson. But with Johnson's current form, it won't be easy. The mixed 4x1500 relay is another event to watch, as Italy has a strong chance of winning gold, especially since Germany, the previous stop's winner, won't have enough athletes for the relay. The United States, on the other hand, is finalizing its Pan Pac roster, with three events determining the top four swimmers for the summer championships. With stars like Mariah Denigan and Ivan Puskovitch, the US team is looking strong. But the real surprise package could be Bella Sims, who placed 11th in the 3k knockout last weekend in her first international open water race in several years. The 2026 Open Water World Cup in Golfo Aranci promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the potential for new stars to emerge and old rivals to clash. As the competition heats up, one thing is certain: The water will be deep, and the competition will be fierce. So, who will come out on top? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: The show is about to begin, and it's going to be a splashy one.
