The WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS opens on September 5 in Okinawa, Japan and whether you are a new fan, an experienced baseball fan, or even a watch-every-pitch die-hard fan, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this list of must-watch games from the Opening Round.
Make sure you catch all the action on GameTime
Let’s start:
DAY 1 – PUERTO RICO VS KOREA
To open the tournament, we have two powerhouses. World No. 7 Puerto Rico comes from impressive performances in recent editions of the U-15 and U-23 Baseball World Cups, taking the silver medal in both. No. 4 Korea, one of the strongest forces in Asia, will look for their sixth title in this age bracket after 17 years of waiting.
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DAY 2 – CHINESE TAIPEI VS USA
Since 2019, No. 2 Chinese Taipei has won this tournament — defeating No. 3 USA in the final — and then adding two consecutive silver medals. On the other side, USA is the second most decorated team in this age bracket with 10 world championships. Two strong candidates face each other in a game that will likely have Super Round implications.
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DAY 3 – JAPAN VS CUBA
In another powerhouse duel, No. 12 Cuba is the most decorated team in the history of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, but it’s been 21 years since their last championship. On the other side stands the reigning champions, Japan, who, ranked No. 1 in the world, broke a championship drought in 2023 by winning this tournament
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DAY 4 – AUSTRALIA VS CHINESE TAIPEI
After making the Super Round in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 editions, the No. 10 Aussies missed the chance to fight for a medal-game spot in 2022 and 2023. This game against Chinese Taipei, in a friendly rivalry, could be key to their Super Round hopes. Meanwhile, the defending silver medalists know that Australia could be a dangerous rival for the top three spots in Group B.
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DAY 5 – JAPAN VS PUERTO RICO
This matchup is becoming an international baseball classic. Japan and Puerto Rico have faced each other in U-15 and U-23 World Championship Finals, with Japan winning on both categories. With Cuba and Korea also in this group and looking like Super Round candidates, this game could decide a Super Round spot. For sure, a must-watch contest.
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But that’s not all — we have more selected games for you.
DAY 2 – KOREA VS JAPAN
What can we say about this classic Asian rivalry that you don’t know already? Numerous games with championship implications across several age brackets, countless historic players, and unforgettable matchups that every die-hard baseball fan remembers. We don’t need to say too much — we know you’ll follow every pitch of this game.
Watch it here
DAY 4 CUBA VS PUERTO RICO
This game could decide the fate of one of these powerhouses in the tournament. A Caribbean classic in the biggest baseball showcase in the world — surely a must-watch contest with potential Super Round implications.
Watch it here