Mexico Stun USA in Extra Innings as Japan Join Super Round Lead
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
USA and Japan Stand at 3-1 Ahead of Final Super Round Day
Mexico produced a dramatic comeback to defeat previously unbeaten USA 7-1 in eight innings, while Japan edged Chinese Taipei 5-4 on the second day of the Super Round at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2026 in Mérida.
The results have made the race for the World Championship Final increasingly competitive, with USA and Japan currently leading the Super Round standings at 3-1.
Mexico Complete Dramatic Comeback
Mexico appeared close to defeat against USA after entering the seventh inning behind.
However, with their tournament hopes on the line, Esteban Gallardo delivered a crucial double that brought home the tying run with Mexico down to their final strike.
The game went into extra innings, where Mexico produced a six-run eighth inning to turn the contest into a convincing 7-1 victory.
The result handed USA their first defeat of the tournament and moved Mexico to 2-2 in the Super Round.
Japan Hold Off Chinese Taipei
Japan also improved to 3-1 after securing a narrow 5-4 win over Chinese Taipei in a rain-interrupted contest.
Japan established a commanding 5-0 lead through four innings and appeared to be in control.
Chinese Taipei fought back late in the game, scoring three runs in the sixth inning and another in the seventh to reduce the deficit.
Japan held firm in the closing stages, with Sora Narukawa completing the victory and helping his team maintain their position at the top of the standings.
Chinese Taipei slipped to 2-2 following the defeat.
Dominican Republic Beat Nicaragua
Earlier in the day, the Dominican Republic kept their hopes alive with a 14-7 victory over Nicaragua.
The Dominican side built a strong advantage with a seven-run second inning. They added three runs in both the fourth and sixth innings to maintain control of the game.
The win moved the Dominican Republic to 2-2, while Nicaragua remained winless at 0-4.
Super Round Standings
Following Friday’s results, USA and Japan are level at the top with 3 wins and 1 loss each.
The Dominican Republic, Mexico and Chinese Taipei are all tied at 2-2, while Nicaragua sit at 0-4.
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 3 | 1 |
| Japan | 3 | 1 |
| Dominican Republic | 2 | 2 |
| Mexico | 2 | 2 |
| Chinese Taipei | 2 | 2 |
| Nicaragua | 0 | 4 |
The final day of the Super Round on Saturday will determine the two teams that advance to Sunday’s World Championship Final.
Venezuela Lead Placement Round
In the Placement Round, Venezuela maintained their perfect record after defeating South Africa 12-0 in five innings at Estadio Beto Avila in Cancun.
Czechia defeated Cuba 5-3, while Australia recovered from an early deficit to beat Germany 8-4.
Germany led 1-0 through five innings, but Australia scored three runs in the sixth and five more in the seventh to complete the comeback.
Venezuela remain unbeaten at 4-0 in the Placement Round. Australia, Cuba, Czechia and Germany are all on 2-2, while South Africa are 0-4.
The Placement Round will also conclude on Saturday
