Japan Tops Global Baseball and Softball Rankings

Japan now leads the world rankings in both baseball and softball across all categories, according to the latest update released today by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). The Asian nation has achieved an unprecedented dominance, securing the top spots in men's and women's baseball as well as in both divisions of softball.

Meanwhile, Cuba remains at the forefront of the Baseball5 rankings, a discipline where the country has successfully combined tradition, talent, and community development.

In men's baseball, Japan retains its No. 1 position, followed by Chinese Taipei, the United States, and South Korea. Mexico and Venezuela dropped in the standings, while Cuba fell to 12th place.

The rankings also brought significant shifts in softball. Japan overtook the U.S. in the women's division after winning the U-15 World Cup and reclaimed the top spot in men's softball for the first time since 2021, with Venezuela, the recent world champion, in second place. Argentina, the former men's No. 1, dropped to third.

Since implementing a new methodology in December 2024, the WBSC has increased the weight of high-level global tournaments and age-group competitions, as well as the impact of national programs, particularly in Baseball5.

Cuba, recognized for its active promotion and integration of Baseball5 in schools and communities, earned additional bonus points in the rankings.

This update highlights the dynamic state of international baseball and softball, showcasing growing global competitiveness and the strengthening of national development programs.