WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025: Jerome Raemaki's walk-off homer pushes New Zealand past USA in thriller
Welcome to the first Super Round day at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025 in Prince Albert. After the Opening Round, four teams are still in the hunt of the word title: Japan and Venezuela open the Super Round with a 1-0 record, while New Zealand and USA start with 0-1 losing record.
In the Placement Round, Argentina (1-0), Australia (1-0), Canada (0-1) and Dominican Republic will battle for the fifth place.
All games are available on the WBSC official streaming platform, GameTime.

With the defending champions Australia eliminated from the Super Round, this tournament will crown a new men's softball king. The last time a team could repeat as Men's Softball World Champion was New Zealand in 2004, completing a historic three-peat (1996, 2000, 2004). Since then, four teams have won this competition: Australia (2009 and 2022), New Zealand (2013 and 2017), Canada (2015) and Argentina (2019).
Japan aim to win their third medal in this competition, and first ever World Championship. The Asian super power has reached the World Championship Final twice, in 2000 in South Africa and 2019 in Czechia, losing both times agains New Zealand and Argentina respectively. In 1996, they won the bronze medal in Midland.
Owners of seven, world championships, New Zealand are the most decorated team in the history of this competition. They won this event in 1976, 1984, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2013 and 2017. additionally, they have four silver medals and two bronzes for a total of 13 podiums. However, they failed to medal in the last two editions in 2019 (fourth place) and 2022 (eight place).
USA own five world titles, second only to New Zealand. However, they lifted the trophy for the last time in 1988. In 2022 they finished third place after a 22-year drought. They won the title in 1966, 1968, 1976, 1980 and 1988. Adding one silver and four bronzes, they total 10 medals in this event.
Venezuela is a two-time medal winner in this event, counting a silver medal in 2013 in New Zealand -losing the final against the host team, and a bronze medal in 2013 in Saskatoon. They also are looking for their first world title.
USA vs New Zealand - Super Round
Australia vs Argentina - Placement Round
Australia defeated Argentina, 7-5, and improved their Placement Round record to 2-0. Jack Besgrove pitched the seven innings for the Aussie Steelers, while Marshall Kronk, Scott Paterson and Ethan Field homered.
For Argentina, Federico Olheiser went yard in the bottom of the seventh. Argentina is now 1-1 in the Placement Round.

Key News
- Super Round schedule announced for WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals
- WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025: Japan, New Zealand, USA, Venezuela advance to Super Round
- Rafael Flores: A legacy of passion and perseverance
- WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025: New Zealand stay undefeated in Group A; tight race in Group B
- Reilly Makea forging his own path with the Black Sox – under the watchful eye of his legendary father
- From t-ball to triple gold: The unmatched journey of Riley James
- New Zealand, Venezuela take control of Group A; Dominican Republic, USA in Group B
- Family, pride and power: Elias Valerio's moment shines in Dominican Republic win
- USA veteran shortstop Cam Schiller on life, family and softball: “This is a fantastic game”
- Press conference: Head coaches, teams ready for battle as world's best are ready to open tournament on Tuesday
- WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025: Watch every game live on GameTime
- 10 things to know about the most anticipated WBSC Men's Softball World Cup event in history
- By the Numbers
- Players to watch
- Eight contenders chasing glory
- Revisiting 59 years of Men's Softball World Cup history
Key Links