Six teams, one goal - the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup World Championship Title
The best U-15 talent in the world of baseball have already competed for five days in the Colombian cities of Barranquilla and Cartagena and now six teams - Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico - will play the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2024 Super Round in Edgar Renteria Stadium in Barranquilla, looking to see who can advance to Sunday's final and ultimately claim the World Championship title.
With Japan (two gold, two silver and two bronze), Chinese Taipei (one gold, five silver and four bronze) and Mexico (one bronze) the only Super Round teams who have previously medalled in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup, there could be an opportunity for a new face - Nicaragua, Puerto Rico or Colombia - on the podium as well having a new winner since 1991 when Chinese Taipei and Japan claimed the first three world champions title in 1991, 1990 and 1989 respectively.
Japan to take the world
After winning the U-18 & U-23 Baseball World Cups, Premier12, and World Baseball Classic titles, plus the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, the Samurai Japan programme is only two titles - U-12 and U-15 Baseball World Cups - away from complete domination of the international baseball scene. Now, the world No. 1 are four games away from reaching one of these goals, entering the Super Round 2-0 record.
Mexico looking for second World Title
World No. 2 Mexico is always in the mix on the international stage. Since winning the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2018, Mexico is entering the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round with plenty of options to play only their second World Championship Final after losing to Venezuela on home soul in the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2021. Diego Serna confirmed himself as the Mexican ace after a clutch presentation against Venezuela, which helped the Mexican team punch a ticket to the Super Round.
Is the moment for Chinese Taipei?
World No. 5 Chinese Taipei have medalled several times in recent years, but the World Championship title has been illusive for the Asian powerhouse. After a statement win against Nicaragua to close the Opening Round, Chinese Taipei looks ready for a championship run with Japan as a first stop in that route.
Nicaragua is ready to become a contender
Are we witnessing the rise of a new powerhouse in the Americas? World No. 20 Nicaragua amazed everyone in Cartagena during the Opening Round, looking like a solid team ready to compete. The loss against Chinese Taipei was a setback, but entering the Super Round with a 1-1 record, their options are pretty much alive to play on the Championship day.
Puerto Rico a powerhouse looking for a title to confirm their status
One of the biggest baseball countries in the world only has one World Title, when they won the WBSC Baseball World Cup in 1951. With a solid team that played great baseball in Barranquilla during the Opening Round and entering the Super Round with a 1-1 record, the chances are there to play for the world title.
Colombia - The host looking to perform a miracle
World No. 13 Colombia found their way to the Super Round with a key win against the Dominican Republic. Even with a 0-2 record, they are in the position to try a winning run since four out of six teams will start this round with a 1-1 record. A win on the first day of the Super Round will be the difference between having a chance or not.
The Super Round will start on Thursday at Edgar Renteria Stadium in Cartagena, and you can follow all the action on Gametime, the WBSC’s OTT platform.
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic, Guam, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa and Venezuela will play the Placement Round in Cartagena with three teams - Guam (10th in 1995), Italy (9th in 1998 & 1996) South Africa (8th in 2003) - looking to claim their best ever finish in the age group.