The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has announced the dates of the XVIII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup group and Finals, which will take place in Prince Albert, Canada.
The group in Canada, one of three groups which make up the Group Stage, will be staged from 10 to 14 July 2024 while the World Championship Finals will be held from 8 to 13 July 2025.
Previously, the WBSC announced Prince Albert, Canada, as host of a group in 2024 and the Finals in 2025. Both events will be staged at Max Power Ball Fields at Prime Ministers Park, host of the WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Cup 2018.
The announcement of the dates allows teams, fans, and organizers to mark their calendars and begin preparations for this prestigious event. With Prince Albert's rich history of hosting successful international softball tournaments, the WBSC is confident that the city will once again deliver a world-class experience for participants and spectators alike.
"We are thrilled to confirm the dates for the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup group and Finals in Prince Albert," said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. "Softball fans can look forward to witnessing the highest level of competition and the incredible passion that this sport generates. We are grateful to the city of Prince Albert for their continued support and commitment to the growth of softball."
The next WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup will be the first edition to be played under the Two-Stage format, a new format with the Group Stage and the Finals hosted in consecutive years. An expanded number of 18 teams will participate across three groups in the Group Stage with the top two from each group plus two wild cards advancing to the Finals.
The XVIII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup has now 12 qualified teams. As hosts, world No. 4 Canada and No. 5 USA have been granted a spot in the Group Stage. In addition, No. 6 Czechia, No. 11 Denmark and No. 16 Netherlands qualified from the European Championship; while No. 3 Japan, No. 12 Singapore and No. 15 Philippines advanced from the Asian Qualifier. Meanwhile, defending champions and world No. 2 Australia and No. 7 New Zealand qualified from the Oceania Qualifier.
The last edition of the Men’s Softball World Cup was played in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2022 with Australia clinching their second world title. Canada earned the silver medal and USA won the bronze.
