Sincelejo to stage WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026; Colombia becomes 21st Softball World Cup host
The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has officially awarded the hosting rights of the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026 to Sincelejo, Colombia. The second edition of the World Cup will be organised by the Colombian Softball Federation and the Sincelejo City Government with games set to take place at 20 de Enero Stadium and Eduardo Porraz Arrazola Stadium.
This historic event marks the first time Colombia will host a WBSC Softball tournament, making it the 21st country or territory to stage a Softball World Cup across any category. Focusing on men’s tournaments only, Colombia becomes the 10th nation to host a Men’s Softball World Cup in any age group.
"The WBSC is happy to award Colombia the hosting rights for the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026, one of the newest events in our softball portfolio," said WBSC President, Riccardo Fraccari. "With events in 21 countries across the five Olympic continents, softball continues to grow its global footprint. I'm sure the softball fans in Sincelejo will welcome the world with their huge passion for softball and sport."
Founded on 21 November 1775, Sincelejo is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is the capital city of the Sucre Department, with a population of more than 310,000 inhabitants. The city is completing a long-term development journey that began in 2023 with the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup Americas Qualifier and which continued in 2024 with the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Americas Qualifier and now culminates with the hosting of the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup in 2026.
The Mayor of Sincelejo Yair Fernando Acuña Cardales said the city is ready to welcome the world with open arms. "I receive with immense joy and pride the designation of our city as the official host of the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup. It is an honour that Sincelejo has been chosen to welcome delegations from around the world for this world-class sporting event," said Acuña Cardales. "I sincerely thank the WBSC and its President Riccardo Fraccari for the trust placed in us and for allowing us to be part of this great celebration of sport. Here, we play with heart and live with passion."
"As President of the Colombian Softball Federation, I would like to thank the WBSC, led by its President Riccardo Fraccari, for this noble gesture of solidarity and for the trust placed in our country," said Eduin Diaz, President of the Colombian Softball Federation. "We are committed to making every effort to ensure that this world-class event is organised, safe and successful, providing a positive experience for the WBSC leadership, participating countries and all fans attending the tournament."
The first edition of the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup was played in Parana, Argentina, in April 2023. Australia claimed the World Title after winning the World Championship Final against Japan, 1-0. Argentina claimed the bronze medal.
As the host nation, Colombia receive an automatic berth in the 2026 edition, marking their third appearance in a Men’s Softball World Cup, following previous appearances in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2013 and the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2023. In total, this will be Colombia’s eighth appearance in a Softball World Cup across all categories.
Currently ranked No. 14 in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Ranking, Colombia become the third qualified nation for the 2026 tournament, joining No. 2 Australia and No. 8 New Zealand, who will represent Oceania. Continental qualifiers for the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe are expected to take place at a later stage.