The WBSC Americas Softball announced that Colombia will host two continental events, qualifiers for their respective World Cup later this year. The U-18 Women's Softball World Cup Americas qualifier will be held in Monteria, from 30 March to 7 April; while the Men's Softball World Cup Americas qualifier will take place in Sincelejo between 7 and 14 April.
The information was confirmed at the softball continental governing body's congress, which took place in Barranquilla, Colombia, with 22 nations in attendance.
“These are two major sporting events. They will also be qualifiers for both World Cups," said Eduin Diaz, Colombian Softball Federation President. "One is the U-18 Women's Pan American Championship in Monteria, and the other is the Men's Pan American Championship in Sincelejo,” he added.
Both the WBSC U-18 Women's Softball World Cup and the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup will open this year with the group stage.
The WBSC U-18 Women's Softball World Cup group stage will be played in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Pingtan, China and Dallas, USA, with each country hosting one group. As hosts, USA and Brazil have been granted an automatic berth in the group stage, with five more spots up for grabs during the Pan American Championship. You can see the groups here.
Meanwhile, the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup will open with the group stage in Hermosillo, Mexico; Prince Albert, Canada; and Oklahoma City, USA. As host of the group stage, all three nations have a guaranteed spot in the World Cup. The Pan American Championship will award five tickets to the World Cup. You can see the groups here.
Teams and schedule for both continental events will be announced later by WBSC Americas Softball.
