Hermosillo to host WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A in June
After the success of the WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup last November, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has awarded Hermosillo, México the hosting rights for the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A, the most important men's softball tournament in the world. Group A, one of three groups that make up the Group Stage, will take place from 12-16 June 2024.
Hermosillo, the capital of the Sonora State, hosted in 2023 the WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup at the fully renovated Fernando Ortiz and Mundialistas Hermosillenses stadiums, which remain as a long-term legacy for the Hermosillo softball community. The Fernando Ortiz stadium seated almost 2,000 fans every night during the youth event and will serve as the main venue for the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group Stage.
The XVIII WBSC Men's Softball World Cup will be played for the first time under the two-stage format. A total of 18 teams will start the tournament with the Group Stage, scheduled for the summer of 2024.
With the confirmation of Hermosillo - thanks to the support of the Mexico’s National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE) and its Director, Ana Guevara; along with the Sonora State Sports Commission (CODESON) - the Group Stage is now set. Hermosillo will host Group A in June, followed by Group B in Prince Albert, Canada, from 10 to 14 July; and Group C in Oklahoma City, USA, between 17 and 21 September.
The top two teams in the final standings of each group and two wild cards will move to the World Championship Finals 2025, to be played in Prince Albert, Canada, from 8 to 13 July next year.
As hosts of Group A, the Mexican Men's National Softball Team became the 11th team qualified for the XVIII WBSC Men's Softball World Cup. The qualified teams are:
- Africa (2)
- Americas (5)
- Asia (3) No. 2 Japan, No. 11 Singapore, No. 14 Philippines
- Europe (3) No. 5 Czechia, No. 13 Denmark, No. 17 Netherlands
- Oceania (2) No. 1 Australia, No. 8 New Zealand
- Hosts (3) No. 3 Canada, No. 6 USA, No. 9 Mexico
The WBSC Africa qualifying event will open the 2024 season from 29 February to 2 March in Limpopo, South Africa; while the WBSC Americas qualifier will be played 7-14 April in Sincelejo, Colombia.