The men's water polo tournament at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships, organised by the FINA, was held in Rome, Italy from 20 July to 1 August 2009. All matches were held in a temporary pool at the tennis stadium of the Foro Italico sports complex. The men's tournament was won by Serbia.

Teams

Groups formed

Preliminary round

All times are Central European Summer Time (UTC+2)

Tie-breaking criteria

If two teams shall have equal points, further classification shall be established as follows: If there is more than one tie in a group, the highest placed tie shall be determined first. If three or more teams shall have equal points, further classification shall be established as follows: If there is more than one tie in a group, the highest placed tie shall be determined first. Source:

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Final round

Brackets

Semifinals 13–16 places

Eightfinals

15th place

13th place

Semifinals 9–12 places

Quarterfinals

11th place

9th place

Semifinals 5–8 places

Semifinals

7th place

5th place

Bronze medal match

Gold medal match

Final ranking

Medalists

Individual awards