Packed stadiums, record crowds and big wins mark Opening Day at WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2026

Crowds were one of the highlights of Opening Day at the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2026, with both venues in Sincelejo packed. Approximately 10,000 fans filled Estadio 20 de Enero for the Opening Game between Colombia and South Africa, while all three games at Eduardo Porras Stadium were also played in front of full houses. The 10,000 attendance marks the largest crowd in tournament history and one of the biggest in international men’s softball.

Colombia, Japan and New Zealand lead Group A after opening-day wins. New Zealand defeated Argentina, 10–2, while Japan beat Czechia, 11–3. Host nation Colombia also made history with a 9–4 win over South Africa.

In Group B, Australia, Canada and Venezuela opened their campaigns with victories. Australia defeated Mexico, 3–0, Canada edged Denmark, 3–1, and Venezuela run-ruled Singapore, 15–0 in three innings.

The Opening Ceremony celebrated culture and sport, bringing together the 12 participating teams and a vibrant crowd to officially launch the tournament.

Japan’s Koki Yagi was the player of the day, hitting three home runs in the win over Czechia. The designated hitter set a new tournament record and became the first player in competition history to hit multiple home runs in a single game, going deep in three consecutive innings.

Australia’s Jack Besgrove also delivered a standout performance, pitching a one-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts and adding a two-run homer in a 3–0 win over Mexico, outdueling Carlos Parra.

On Sunday, Singapore and Mexico open the schedule at 13:00, followed by Venezuela vs Denmark (14:00). Australia face Canada at 16:00, with South Africa taking on New Zealand one hour later. Argentina meet Japan at 19:00, and Colombia close the day against Czechia.

WBSC also announced a change to Monday’s schedule, with Japan vs South Africa moved to 13:00 and Denmark vs Singapore now set for 16:00.