WBSC Men's Softball World Cup: Argentina, New Zealand join Australia, Dominican Republic in Finals 2025
World No. 1 Argentina and No. 10 New Zealand are the latest teams to earn the spots in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals 2025 in Prince Albert, Canada from 8-13 July next year.
After the thrilling conclusion of Group B play on Sunday in Prince Albert, both teams have clinched their places alongside the first two finalists, the Dominican Republic and Australia, from Group A.
Following the conclusion of Group B play, Canada were also confirmed in the Finals 2025 as hosts.
Argentina showcased their dominance and clutch performances throughout the Group B tournament, finishing with a perfect 5-0 win-loss record. Their path to the Finals was highlighted by convincing wins in the Opening Round against Israel, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and New Zealand, and topped by a dramatic 6-5 victory over New Zealand in the Group B final.
The world No. 1 recovered from a 4-1 deficit in the bottom of the fourth inning, tying the game with a three-run rally. Both sides exchanged runs, until Argentina scored on a wild pitch, punching the third ticket to the Finals 2025.
Argentina's Ladislao Malarczuk, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of Group B, was key with a .385 batting average and stellar defence.
New Zealand, despite losing twice to Argentina - once in the Opening Round and the second time in the final, earned their spot in the Finals 2025 through a resilient comeback in the Repechage game against Canada. The world No. 10 overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat the hosts 4-1, off a three-run homer by Ben Enoka in the bottom of the sixth inning, ensuring their place in next year’s Finals.
Meanwhile, Canada finished third, while Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Israel, placed fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.
The top two finishers of Group C and the best third-placed team across the three groups complete the set of eight participants in the 2025 Finals.
Group C is scheduled from September 17 to 21 in Oklahoma City, USA. The hosts and World No. 7 USA will compete with No. 4 Japan, No. 13 Guatemala, No. 17 Colombia, No. 18 South Africa, and No. 19 Netherlands.
