Japan, China and Chinese Taipei clinch WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage berths

World No. 2 Japan, No. 12 China and No. 4 Chinese Taipei secured qualification for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage 2026 after heavy rain forced the cancellation of the medal games on the final day of the Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2025, which took place from 14–20 July in Xi’an, China at the Xi’an Physical Education University Softball Stadium.

The Opening Round, held from 14 to 19 July, featured 10 teams competing in a 45-game single round-robin. The top two teams were originally scheduled to meet in the final, while the third- and fourth-ranked teams were set to contest the bronze medal match. With no play possible on 20 July, the Opening Round standings were used to determine the final standings.

Japan remained unbeaten in the tournament, defeating China 10–0, Chinese Taipei 4–1 and the Philippines 9–1. Their other victories came against Malaysia; Singapore; Thailand; Hong Kong, China and India completing a dominant campaign that secured the top spot.

China finished second in the standings, helped by key wins over Chinese Taipei 8–4 and the Philippines 2–1. Their only loss came against Japan.

Chinese Taipei took third place with six wins, including a 3–0 result over the Philippines, who placed fourth and narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification.

The Philippines ended the tournament with five wins and strong scoring performances throughout the week. Although they missed out on a World Cup berth, they joined the top three along with Korea; Hong Kong, China; Singapore and Thailand in securing places for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Korea and Hong Kong, China finished fifth and sixth with Singapore and Thailand claiming the final two Asian Games qualification spots, rounding out the top eight. India and Malaysia placed ninth and 10th, respectively.