World number two Japan and number 11 China reached the final of the 2025 WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup, finishing first and second in Group B. They were the third and fourth teams to participate in the finals after number 4 Chinese Taipei and number 10 Czech Republic qualified from Group A.

No. 3 Puerto Rico finished third and secured one of the two wildcard spots, becoming the fifth finalist.

Bad weather affected the tournament. The first day was completely canceled and a number of games were postponed. All games since Game 7 were played over five innings, while the tournament schedule only allowed participation in the opening round.

Japan dominated Group B, scoring 49 points to 3 more than its opponents.

Centerfielder Yuwa Shiota was named Group B’s Most Outstanding Player after hitting 8-of-14 with four RBIs in four games, posting a .571 batting average and .647 on-base percentage.

China won important victories against the Netherlands (No. 6) (3-0), Puerto Rico (No. 3) (3-1) and Italy (No. 7) (1-0). Yuyan Duan and Menghuan Zhou showed dominant pitching in these games, but could not stop Japan’s bats in the last direct duel.

Puerto Rico finished third with a score of 3-2 and defeated the third-placed team in Group A, No. 34 New Zealand (3-4), to secure one of two wildcard tickets.

Group C will take place from August 29 to September 2 in Dallas, Texas, USA.

The USA (world number one) will host Canada (number 5), Mexico (number 8), Australia (number 9), Philippines (number 16) and Ireland (number 21). The top two teams will advance to the final.

Dallas will also host the 2025 Finals. Eight teams, including two wild cards, will participate in the tournament.