(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Excitement Builds in Okinawa as WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 Kicks Off
The countdown is almost over! The WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025, presented by RAXUS, officially begins this Friday, September 5, in Okinawa, Japan. Fans around the world are eagerly waiting to watch the next generation of baseball stars showcase their skills on the global stage.
The Baseball Federation of Japan (BFJ) and NPB Enterprise, with the support of the Japan High School Baseball Federation, will host the event. Matches will take place at two iconic venues: the 15,000-seat Okinawa Cellular Stadium in Naha and the 12,000-seat Nishizaki Stadium in Itoman.
Local excitement is already sky-high after Okinawa Shogaku High School celebrated its first-ever Summer Koshien victory just weeks ago. Fans have also been energized by Samurai Japan’s strong performance in warm-up matches on August 31 and September 2.
Group A: Japan Leads the Charge
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Japan (World No. 1) enters as defending champion and home favorite. Manager Masayoshi Ogura has assembled a roster of standout high school stars, including right-handed pitcher Ishigaki Genki and left-hander Ryosuke Sueyoshi, fresh from his heroics at the Koshien final.
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Korea (No. 4) poses a strong challenge, led by ace Jun-hyun Park and two-way talent Hyunseung Ha.
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Puerto Rico (No. 7), managed by Eddie Gonzalez, brings versatile players and rising pitching prospect Pablo Figueroa.
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Cuba (No. 12) features captain Jonathan Moreno and catcher Yaidel Ruiz, both already experienced in the Cuban National League.
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Italy (No. 14) will field a younger squad but has talent like power hitter Patrick Silva.
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South Africa (No. 26), managed by Dean McKinnon, promises to bring heart and determination to the competition.
Group B: USA and Chinese Taipei Eye the Top
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USA (World No. 3) arrives with one of the most talented rosters in recent years. Infielder Grady Emerson is projected as the No. 1 MLB Draft pick in 2026, alongside stars Jacob Lombard and Giovanni Rojas.
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Chinese Taipei (No. 2) boasts strong pitching depth, including left-hander Chung Yi-en, a top CPBL draft pick.
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Panama (No. 9) looks competitive with catcher Juan Rujano (St. Louis Cardinals prospect) and infielder Michael Nieto (Philadelphia Phillies system).
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Australia (No. 10) brings rising talent, including Mitch Evans, signed by the Detroit Tigers.
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Germany (No. 18) aims high but faces stiff competition.
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China (No. 19) fields young talents like catcher Zhao Xin and pitchers Zheng Zijian and Li Xiaobo.
Tournament Format
The 12 teams are divided into two groups. The top three teams from each group will move to the Super Round, with the top two advancing to the World Championship Final. The third and fourth-place finishers will battle for bronze.
The U-18 Baseball World Cup has a rich history, first held in 1981. Past editions have seen future MLB stars like Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Tyler Soderstrom shine before moving to the professional stage.
Who Will Make History in 2025?
With powerhouses like Japan, USA, Korea, and Chinese Taipei in contention, the competition promises intense matchups and unforgettable moments. But as history shows, the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup is always full of surprises.
Baseball fans worldwide will be watching closely as the next generation of stars steps onto the field in Okinawa.
