HERMOSILLO, Mexico – The USA Softball U-18 Men’s National Team (MNT) has arrived in Hermosillo, Mexico where the 2023 squad will compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Cup. Qualifying for the WBSC World Cup earlier this year, the U-18 MNT looks to stand atop the podium once again after clinching the gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Championship in September.
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Set to kick off on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Fernando M. Ortiz Stadium, Team USA joins 10 additional countries in the nine-day competition with the eleven teams opening the WBSC Men’s World Cup in two groups. The U.S. enters the tournament in the No. 5 spot – competing in Group B alongside No. 1 Argentina, No. 3 Japan, No. 7 New Zealand and No. 8 Venezuela while No. 2 Australia, No. 4 Canada, No. 24 Colombia, No. 6 Czech Republic, No. 10 Mexico and No. 12 Singapore will battle it out in Group A. Following the conclusion of Opening Round, the top six teams will advance to Super Round slated for Nov. 16-18 with the top four teams moving on to the medal round set to take place Sunday, Nov. 19.
Fans can keep up with the excitement all week long through the WBSC’s exclusive online GameTime video platform where daily live stream passes can be purchased for $5.99 and full tournament passes can be purchased for $9.99. Live stats will also be provided on USASoftball.com.
Highlighted by 14 members from the 2023 Pan American Championship gold medal squad and one rookie, the U-18 MNT World Cup roster represents seven states with Wisconsin leading the pack with seven athletes, followed by Pennsylvania and California with two each and Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and South Dakota each represented by one athlete apiece.
Once again leading the U.S. U-18 MNT on the international stage, head coach Tony Aresco looks to guide Team USA in its quest for gold alongside assistant coaches Avon Meacham and Bob Piddock.
The world-ranked No. 5 Team USA will enter the 2023 World Cup with redemption in mind after tallying a 2-6 record at the 2020 U-18 Men’s World Cup. Lifting a 38-year medal drought at the 2023 Pan American Championship, the U-18 MNT aims to add to its resume after its last World Cup medal being won in 1985.
For more information on the USA Softball Men’s National Team program, visit USASoftball.com.