Action begun today at the FINA Water Polo World League Intercontinental Cup in Perth ©Water Polo Australia/Twitter/R McKinnon

Australia's men’s team begun their quest for home glory at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Water Polo World League Intercontinental Cup by sneaking a 9-8 win over Canada in Perth.

A goal in the last quarter secured the host nation all three points in the Group A clash at the HBF Stadium.

Today’s other match in the same section saw Japan beat South Africa 19-14.

In Group B, Argentina defeated China 14-13 before Kazakhstan overcame New Zealand 11-10.

Action also got underway today in the women’s event with Australia matching their male counterparts in beating Canada, 13-9.

They share top spot in Group B with Kazakhstan, who defeated South Africa 12-9.

In Group A, the United States and Japan both made winning starts with the former overcoming China 11-5 and the latter beating New Zealand 12-7.

The event is a qualifier for the 2019 World League with four teams from each tournament qualifying for the super finals alongside the top three teams from the FINA/European Aquatics Federation Europa Cup finals and the host nations.

The men's super final is due to be in Serbia’s capital Belgrade from June 18 to 23 and the women's is scheduled to be staged in Budapest in Hungary from June 4 to 7.

Action in Perth is due to run through to Sunday (March 31).