Softball Australia Cup announced: Australia, Japan, New Zealand to face off in Brisbane in 2026
Softball Australia has announced the Softball Australia Cup, a new invitational international tournament debuting at Downey Park, Brisbane, from 29 January to 1 February 2026. The inaugural edition will feature world No. 1 Japan, No. 10 Australia, and No. 26 New Zealand.
Evolving from the successful Australia Pacific Cup, this new format continues the tradition of elite international competition while establishing a clear pathway towards the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027, the LA28 Olympic Games, and beyond.
The event will mark Japan’s first appearance on Australian soil since 2020, as part of their preparations for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026/2027 cycle.
Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said the series forms part of Softball Australia’s World Cup legacy. “Softball Australia Cup is the next chapter in our invitational offering, expanding beyond the Pacific Cup, this global concept opens the tournament to the rest of the world and ensures our athletes can face the best international competition right here at home. We’re thrilled to launch this event as part of our legacy-building pathway towards the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 being held in Redcliffe, Queensland.”
The event will feature:
- Australia, Japan, and New Zealand competing in a round-robin format with three games per day
- A junior softball skills clinic on Thursday 29 January 2026
Aussie Spirit Head Coach Kerrie Porter said:
“The Softball Australia Cup is an important step in our journey, and our squad is determined to build on the momentum we’ve created. With Japan’s dominance setting the global benchmark and our fierce rivalry with New Zealand driving us forward, every inning is a chance to elevate Australian softball.”
As part of Softball Australia’s commitment to growing the game and welcoming more fans into the softball community, the inaugural Softball Australia Cup will be free to attend.