Team USA Set to Compete in the 2025 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
The excitement is palpable as Team USA’s 18U National Team prepares to begin its journey in the 2025 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup presented by RAXUS in Okinawa, Japan. From September 5-14, the stars and stripes will vie against eleven other nations for the coveted title of World Champion. A proud and historical competitor, Team USA is the only nation to have participated in all 31 editions of this prestigious tournament, aiming to clinch its 11th World Championship in program history.
The Past
Team USA’s 18U National Team shines with an illustrious legacy of excellence in international baseball. Over the years, the program has amassed an impressive 17 gold medals, beginning with its first at the 1982 II Baseball World Junior Championship. The most recent victory came in 2024, during the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. This unwavering tradition has cultivated a remarkable roster of professional talent, including 21 former players drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft, highlighting standout names like Eli Willits, Kade Anderson, and Ethan Holliday. Currently riding an eight-game winning streak, a testament to their strong performances last summer, Team USA is ready to face new challenges.
The Field
The tournament features a 12-team format, with Team USA allocated to Group B alongside Australia, China, Germany, Panama, and Chinese Taipei. Following their triumph in the 2024 Americas Qualifier, the red, white, and blue earned an automatic bid into the tournament. Meanwhile, Panama secured its spot as hosts by finishing second in the same tournament. Group B is competitive with three top 10 teams, including No. 2 Chinese Taipei, No. 3 USA, and No. 10 Australia.
Across the divide, Group A consists of Cuba, Italy, Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico, and South Africa. Japan, the defending World Champion, leads Group A after a stunning 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the 2023 finals. Notably, No. 1 Japan, alongside No. 4 Korea and No. 7 Puerto Rico, adds to the competitive edge of this group.
Impressively, Team USA boasts a winning record against all other participating nations, standing at 152-41 throughout its storied history in the World Cup.
The Venue
Team USA has embarked on a journey of nearly 8,000 miles to Okinawa, where they will kick off their international competition on September 5 against Panama at Okinawa Cellular Stadium. This major venue, which can accommodate 15,000 fans, boasts a maximum capacity of 30,000. Situated in Naha City, the field features an all-dirt infield with natural grass outfield.
A secondary venue, Nishizaki Stadium, located roughly 15 minutes from the Naha airport, supports the tournament with over 10,000 seating capacity. Accessible via the Ryukyu Bus “89,” it’s conveniently positioned for fans wishing to enjoy the thrill of international competition.
The Roster
The 20-player Team USA roster is a mix of talent and experience, featuring five USA Baseball alumni and 10 players who have undergone the USA Baseball national team development programs. Notably, Grady Emerson is making history as the first player to represent both 15U and 18U National Teams across four consecutive summers. Joining him are his 2022 15U teammates Carson Bolemon and Andrew Costello, gold medalists from the 2022 WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup.
In addition, players like Jorvorskie Lane Jr. and Jared Grindlinger, each with a solid background in national team programming, round out a roster rich in potential. The squad is complemented by participants who have competed in various MLB Develops programs, showcasing a deep commitment to nurturing baseball talent.
At the Helm
Leading the charge for Team USA in 2025 is Rick Eckstein, an accomplished professional national team coach and former MLB hitting coach. This experience marks his eighth coaching stint with Team USA and his second as a manager. He has previously collaborated with renowned figures like Davey Johnson and garnered multiple awards, including the Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year Award in 2025. Alongside him are notable team staff members including his brother, David Eckstein, the 2006 World Series MVP, Brad Penny, a two-time MLB All-Star, and seasoned high school coach Steve Stone.
How to Watch
For fans eager to catch every pitch, the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup games will be streamed live on Gametime.sport. Live statistics will also be accessible through the official event schedule.
Social Media
Stay connected with Team USA during the tournament by following @USABaseball18U on X and @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. Join the excitement as they pursue the championship title on the international stage!