The Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage A at Balbriggan All Weather Field in Dublin wrapped up on July 15 as the group stages will continue in Spain and Italy for the rest of the month.
This years World Cup is the first ever WBSC two-stage tournament, with the group stage being this year and the World Cup final being next summer in Italy.
A total of 18 teams, over three group stages, are battling it out to claim their spot in the World Final.
Group Stage A included six teams: USA, Australia, Ireland, Great Britain, Chinese Taipei, and Botswana. USA and Australia advance to the Softball World Cup Finals, after both teams defeated Great Britain. Great Britain, who finished in third, is in contention to enter the 2024 finals as wildcard. Their outcome will depend on the rest of the group stages. Chinese Taipei placed in fourth, home team Ireland placed in fifth, and Botswana placed in sixth.
The Group B stage has hit off in Valencia, Spain this morning, July 18, with the Netherlands vs Cuba. Group B will continue from through July 22 with teams Spain, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, China, Cuba, and South Africa competing for the top two spots to advance to the finals.
Group C will be held in Castions di Strada and Buttrio, Italy from July 22 to 26, and will have Japan, Canada, Italy, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Venezuela.