Japan and Singapore became the first two qualified nations for the WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup, to be held in Palmerston North, New Zealand, from 22 February to 1 March 2020. 

 

Japan secured its place in the World Cup defeating Singapore, 12-0, in the first semifinal of the tournament; while Singapore had to beat India in the second semifinal, 8-1, to seal the second spot in next year's global competition. With the top two finishers qualified for the U-18 Men's Softball World Cup 2020, Japan defeated Singapore, 15-0, in the final to clinch the 2019 U-17 Men's Softball Asian Cup title.

 

Six teams competed in the Asian Cup, played in Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. World No. 3 Japan, No. 16 India, No. 17 Philippines, No. 22 Singapore, No. 30 Thailand and No. 33 Malaysia.

 

The two Asian representatives are the first nations to be entered into the 12-nation global battle For the Title of World Champion at the new WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup. It will be the first global tournament in this age category, replacing the former Junior Men's Softball World Championship (U-19).

 

"Congratulations Japan and Singapore, you're the best in your continent and will represent Asia in the WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup 2020", said WBSC Chairman Tommy Velazquez. "This event in New Zealand will officially launch the newly rebranded Men's Softball World Cups, modernizing our sport and our global events, and boosting at the same time the continental competition at the youth level, like the successful U-17 Men's Softball Asian Cup. Japan and Singapore will join the best teams in the world competing For the Title of World Champion."

 

Japan participated in all 12 Junior Men's Softball World Championships, winning the tournament twice in 1981 and 2016. Last year in Prince Albert they finished in second place, losing to Australia in the World Championship game. Singapore will be back to the youth global stage after six years of absence. Their last appearance was in 2014 in Whitehorse, Canada.

 

Through the continental championships/qualifiers, the composition of the U-18 Men's Softball World Cup is as follows: