WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 Preview: Cuba start favourites in title defence in Hong Kong

World No. 2 Cuba will start the defence of their WBSC Baseball5 World Cup title on Monday when the second edition of the WBSC's five-aside urban sport takes place in Hong Kong, China, from 7-12 October 2024.

The fast-paced, mixed-gender event brings together the top 12 teams from around the world, with intense games set to take place against the iconic backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

In Group A, Cuba will encounter strong competition from 2022 bronze medallists and world No. 1 Chinese Taipei, along with Venezuela; Hong Kong, China; South Africa and Lithuania.

Cuba's roster, which is based on the Baseball5 Pan American Games first-place team, includes five defending World Champions - the inaugural WBSC Baseball5 World Cup MVP Briandy Molina, Orlando Amador, Cristian Basabe, Chakira Aspiazú, and Lietis Arcia.

"We’re honoured to be the favourite team. It’s exciting to represent our country and promote Baseball5 internationally, helping more people become familiar with the sport," Molina said, reflecting on the team’s status as favourites.

Tournament MVP Haila Gonzalez and Yoel Blanco also helped Cuba win the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup 2023. Head coach Pablo Terry and his assistant Liorvis Savon led Cuba to the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2022 title.

"Of course, being the MVP and a previous winner adds pressure because everyone is watching, but I don’t focus on numbers or individual awards. My goal is to give my best in every game and support my team in achieving victory," Molina added.

In Group B, 2022 runners-up Japan will play France, Tunisia, Mexico and newcomers China and Australia, whose participation introduces an added element of excitement and unpredictability to the tournament, although China and Australia finished fifth and 12th in last year's WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup.

To celebrate the event and highlight Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage, the hosts staged a WBSC Baseball5 World Cup Tram Parade. The iconic trams, which are a symbol of the city’s history, will serve as a moving promotion for the World Cup, rolling through Central Hong Kong to raise awareness and build excitement for the tournament. The organiser's plan to use the trams reflects the inclusive and accessible nature of Baseball5, a sport that can be played #everywhere - much like the way the trams connect different parts of the city.

Hiu Tong Avis Wong, one of Hong Kong’s players, emphasised how special the parade is in building a connection with the community. “The tram parade is an exciting way to bring awareness to Baseball5 and make it accessible to everyone in Hong Kong. The sport connects people and this parade is doing the same," Wong said.

She expressed pride in representing the team at home and is thrilled to be playing in front of her family and friends. “It’s an honour for all of us to perform in front of our everyone, especially with the support of my family and friends,” she said.

Ayako Rokkaku, WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2022 MVP, is confident her team can secure gold this time. “We will get the gold medal because Japan are very strong this year. We have good players,” Rokkaku stated. She explained what makes Baseball5 special: “It’s very speedy and dynamic, it connects people as a team.”

Rokkaku also praised Hong Kong as the ideal host for the tournament, commenting on the city’s beauty and its enthusiastic support. “I love Hong Kong. It’s a very beautiful place with kind people and good weather. It’s a great place for this event,” she added.

Wong noted how Baseball5’s adaptability makes it ideal for new teams: “Because Baseball5 can be played anywhere, it gives us the opportunity to compete on the world stage without needing traditional baseball fields.”

"This is not my first time in Hong Kong, and it’s always a beautiful experience. I’ve been here before, and it’s great to be back," Molina said, reflecting on his familiarity with the city.

Rokkaku echoed this sentiment, emphasising that Baseball5 is a sport that brings nations together in a unique way. “The mixed-gender format and the speed of the game make Baseball5 different and more inclusive. It’s not just about power, it’s about strategy and teamwork,” she said.