The 1986 NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship was the 18th annual NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship to determine the national champion of NCAA men's collegiate water polo.

Tournament matches were played at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, California during December 1986.

[1] Stanford defeated rival California in the final, 9–6, to win their sixth national title.

Coached by Dante Dettamanti, the Cardinal finished the season undefeated, 36–0.

The tournament's leading scorer was Robert Lynn from USC (12 goals).