(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025: Medal Round Teams Confirmed — Championship Final Still Wide Open
The excitement is building in Tainan, Chinese Taipei, as the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025, presented by RAXUS, heads into the final stretch. After a thrilling Day 2 of the Super Round, the medal round matchups are nearly set — and all four remaining teams still have a shot at the World Championship Final.
🌟 Top Four Teams in Medal Contention
After Friday’s matches, Japan, USA, and Korea are all tied at the top of the Super Round standings with a 3-1 record, while host nation Chinese Taipei (2-2) sits in fourth place. Despite the record, Chinese Taipei is guaranteed a spot in at least the bronze medal game, thanks to their head-to-head win over Mexico (1-3), who are now eliminated.
The results from Saturday, August 2, will determine which two teams compete for gold, and which two will play for bronze on Sunday.
⚾ Friday Highlights: USA & Japan Stage Comebacks
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Japan 9, Dominican Republic 5
Japan overcame a 5-1 deficit with a stunning six-run third inning, sparked by a three-run home run from Riku Sahashi. With this win, the Dominican Republic (0-4) is officially out of medal contention. -
USA 6, Chinese Taipei 5
In a dramatic comeback, Team USA erased a 5-1 lead and secured victory with a walk-off single by Christopher Chikodroff. Stellar defensive plays from Russell McGee and Duncan Mount helped keep the game tied heading into the sixth inning.
🇰🇷 Korea Dominates Mexico
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Korea 9, Mexico 1
Korea broke the game open with a six-run second inning, thanks to key hits from Donghhyeon Min and Leon Yang. Mexico’s Eduardo Miranda impressed early, throwing the fastest pitch in tournament history at 127 km/h (79.4 mph), but struggled with control.
Despite loading the bases in the fifth, Mexico couldn’t capitalize, grounding into a double play. Korea sealed the win with three more runs in the bottom of the inning.
🥉 Placement Round and Weather Updates
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Cuba shut out Czechia to remain unbeaten in the Placement Round.
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Due to inclement weather, the games between Germany vs. Panama and South Africa vs. Australia were postponed to Sunday, August 3.
📺 Watch Live on GameTime
All matches are streamed live on GameTime, the WBSC’s official OTT platform.
Note: Broadcasting restrictions may apply in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.
🎟️ Tournament passes for the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup are available now!
🔜 Upcoming Medal Round Deciders – August 2
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Japan vs. USA – A potential gold medal preview
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Korea vs. Chinese Taipei – Winner likely advances to the final
