(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025: 10 Key Facts About the Historic Tournament
The WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup has been one of the most prestigious youth baseball tournaments in the world since its inauguration in 1981. Over the decades, it has showcased future stars and given fans unforgettable moments. The 2025 edition, presented by RAXUS, will be co-hosted by the Baseball Federation of Japan (BFJ) and NPB Enterprise in the Okinawa Prefecture. Supported by the Japan High School Baseball Federation, the main venue will be the 15,000-seat Okinawa Cellular Stadium in Naha, while the 12,000-seat Nishizaki Stadium in Itoman will serve as the secondary ground.
Here are 10 key things to know about the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup – the oldest and one of the most exciting youth baseball tournaments in the world:
1. The Oldest Youth Baseball World Cup
The first edition took place in Newark, New Jersey, USA, in 1981. Originally called the AAA World Championship, it was held annually until 1997. Since 1999, the tournament has been played every two years.
2. Exceptions in Scheduling
The competition was played in 1999 and 2000 consecutively, later shifting to odd-year cycles. The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the 2021 edition, which was played in 2022, followed by another in 2023.
3. Turbulent Early Years
In the 1970s, international baseball had competing governing bodies. The Amateur World Baseball Federation (FEMBA) launched a junior event in 1977. After a merger, the International Amateur Baseball Association officially continued the U-18 tournament.
4. Cuba’s Era of Dominance
Between 1984 and 2004, Cuba won the U-18 World Cup 11 times, including four consecutive titles from 1984 to 1987. Though their last title came in 2004, they remain the all-time leaders.
5. USA’s Consistency
The United States is the only nation to have played in every edition of the tournament. They have 10 titles, including four in a row from 2012 to 2017.
6. Canada as a Host Nation
Canada became the first country outside the USA to host the event in 1984. Since then, they have hosted 13 times, most recently in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 2017.
7. Japan Hosting Again
The 2025 edition will be only the second time Japan has hosted. The last time was in 2015, when the USA defeated Japan in the final at Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Osaka.
8. Final Appearances and Records
Japan finally claimed the championship in 2023 (Taipei City) after losing four finals. The USA holds the record for most final losses (12), while Chinese Taipei has collected 10 silver and 7 bronze medals.
9. About Okinawa Prefecture
The Okinawa islands are part of the Ryūkyū archipelago, located between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. The prefecture includes 160 islands, with 49 inhabited.
10. Main Okinawa Island
The island is about 106 km long and 11 km wide. It is famous as the birthplace of Karate in the 17th century. During the World Cup, the Okinawa monorail (Yui Rail) will feature cars branded with the tournament logo, connecting fans from Naha Airport to Tedako Uranishi Station.
A Tournament with Tradition and Future
With its rich history and global reach, the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup continues to be a launchpad for baseball’s brightest young talent. Fans around the world can look forward to another thrilling edition in Okinawa, Japan, in 2025.
