Women’s softball World Cup hosts Australia have been joined by Canada and Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) as finalists at Redcliffe, Brisbane, next year.
The two countries’ confirmation follows the end of Group Stage A qualifiers held in Prague, Czechia, recently.
World No. 4, Canada qualified first with a nine-inning 8-7 win over fifth-ranked Taiwan on Sunday (AEST) who then qualified second with a 9-8 win over Italy.
Canada had earlier accounted for Australia 7-1 built on a seven-run first innings onslaught.
Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh says they are looking forward to hosting the two teams next April in the finals.
“This tournament will be a landmark moment for our sport in this country. We can’t wait to welcome these talented teams and fans from around the world ….” she says.
(Loh was recently appointed to the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s new commission to guide the sport’s global development).
The Aussie Spirit fell just short to Italy in the semi-final, with the game decided 5-6 in the eighth inning.
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Spirit Head Coach Kerrie Porter took heart from their showing, saying they can challenge the world’s best teams.
She says valuable international competition will give them vital preparation ahead of World Cup finals and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We can compete with the top international teams; we’ve got a group of athletes who are really determined,” she says.
“Every opportunity to play high-level international softball benefits our squad.
“We’re tracking nicely in our preparation for the World Cup in Redcliffe in 2027.
“We’ve shown real growth with this group, and I’m excited to see what the team can achieve in Oklahoma as we continue building towards the World Cup finals and facing the international competition head on.”
The winner of the Redcliffe finals from April 5–11, 2027, will qualify directly for the LA Games.
More nations will be added to the finals with the group stage play continuing in Lima, Peru, in July and Oklahoma City, US, in September.
Fans can register for ticket updates by clicking here on the women’s World Cup website.
