(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Japan Tops WBSC World Rankings in Both Women’s and Men’s Softball Under New Points System
In a groundbreaking update from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Japan has claimed the No. 1 ranking in both Women’s and Men’s Softball, marking a major milestone under the revised WBSC World Rankings Methodology, introduced in December 2024.
This updated system now includes two editions of key tournaments like the Top-Level World Events and Age-Group World Cups, which are held every two years. The change gives a more balanced and up-to-date reflection of team performances worldwide.
🇯🇵 Japan: Dominating the Diamond Globally
Japan now holds the top ranking in all four major categories:
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Men’s Baseball
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Women’s Baseball
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Men’s Softball
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Women’s Softball
They are also ranked No. 2 in Baseball5, demonstrating their all-round strength across the sport.
🥎 Women’s Softball: Japan Takes the Crown from USA
After clinching the title at the WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup in Italy (June 27 – July 5), Japan overtook the USA to take the No. 1 spot in the world rankings.
Current Top 5 Rankings:
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Japan
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USA
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Puerto Rico
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Canada (↑2)
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Chinese Taipei
Notable movers:
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China entered the Top 10.
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Mexico and Australia rose two spots each.
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Brazil jumped 10 places to 17th.
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Colombia surged 12 places to 19th.
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American Samoa had the biggest jump, soaring 21 spots to 43rd.
⚾ Men’s Softball: Japan Returns to No. 1
Japan also climbed to No. 1 in Men’s Softball for the first time since 2021, following a strong 4th-place showing at the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2025.
Top 5 Rankings:
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Japan
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Venezuela (↑3, new world champions)
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Argentina (↓)
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Australia (↓)
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New Zealand (↑3)
Thailand made impressive progress, moving up 9 places to rank 27th.
⚾ Men’s Baseball: Japan Leads the Pack
Japan and Chinese Taipei remain the top two in Men’s Baseball.
Major movements include:
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Palau (↑15 to 58th) after winning the Mini Pacific Games
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Poland (↑14 to 51st)
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Laos (↑11 to 44th)
🧢 Women’s Baseball: Japan and USA Stay Strong
There was no change in the Top 10 for Women’s Baseball, with Japan and the USA holding firm at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.
India and Indonesia showed strong development, climbing four and five places each to enter the Top 15.
⚾ Baseball5: Cuba Remains on Top, Japan Moves Up
In the fast-paced Baseball5 rankings:
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Cuba stays at No. 1
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Japan moves up two places to No. 2 after winning the Asia Championship
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Chinese Taipei drops to No. 4
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France holds steady at No. 3
Biggest Movers:
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Saudi Arabia (↑17 to 35th)
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Greece (↑10 to 25th)
A record 64 national programmes are now featured in the Baseball5 rankings.
🔍 New WBSC Rankings System: What’s Changed?
Key highlights of the revised WBSC rankings methodology:
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Includes two most recent editions of biennial tournaments
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Outdated tournament points (from four years ago) are replaced
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Federations can now earn Bonus Points (100–500) through Baseball5 development activities, such as:
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National championships
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Community outreach
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School integration programs
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Online engagement and promotions
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🌍 A New Era of Global Competition
These updates reflect a stronger focus on fair competition, grassroots development, and transparency, as more nations rise through the ranks. With Japan at the helm, the future of global softball and baseball looks more competitive and exciting than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates from WBSC events, tournaments, and rankings reshuffles throughout the season!
