Dominican Republic, Australia claim tickets to Finals 2025

The Dominican Republic and Australia claimed the two tickets on offer to the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025 after winning the all-important WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A Playoff games in Hermosillo, Mexico on Sunday.

On the tournament's last day, world No. 14 Dominican Republic defeated No. 5 Venezuela, 2-0 in the final to secure their spot in next year's Finals while defending champions and world No. 2 Australia triumphed over No. 9 Mexico and Venezuela with identical 4-1 scores, to earn the second ticket.

Venezuela, who had progressed through pool play unbeaten, finished third to remain in contention for one of the two Finals 2025 wild card spots. Mexico came in fourth, while Czechia clinched fifth place after an eight-inning victory over the Philippines.

After an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Dominican pitcher Yan Carlos Gonzalez was named WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A Most Outstanding Player. He posted a 0.81 ERA in 26 innings pitched, striking out 42 opponents. He was the winning pitcher in all four wins of the Dominican Republic, including Sunday's final against Venezuela.

• The Dominican Republic, ranked 14th in the world, last played in the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in 2017, finishing 11th
• They have played in six editions overall with a best finish of 5th in 2015 and 1984.
• Australia (1st), Venezuela (6th), Czech (9th), Philippines (10th) played in the previous WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in 2022
• World No. 2 Australia are the defending champions and have played in 11 editions, finishing 1st twice, in 2022 and 2009
• The top four teams in the Group A standings advanced to Sunday's playoffs
• Venezuela clinched the No. 1 spot in the Opening Round standings with a 5-0 record, followed by the Dominican Republic with a 3-2 card
• Australia, Mexico and Czechia tied in third place of the Opening Round with identical 2-3 records, but the Europeans finished fifth due to the tie-break system. Australia was third and Mexico fourth.
• All six teams in the Top-15 of the WBSC/KONAMI Men's Softball World Ranking
• First time two-stage format used for WBSC Men's Softball World Cup - Group Stage in 2024 followed by Finals in 2025
• After Group A in Hermosillo, Mexico, Group B will take place in Prince Albert, Canada from 10-14 July followed by Group C in Oklahoma City, USA from 17-21 September 
• WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024 Group A - Day 4: Mexico defeat Dominican Republic, advance to Playoffs to play Australia. Venezuela sweep Opening Round, Czechia win two to finish fifth
• WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024 Group A - Day 3: Venezuela beat Dominican Republic, both confirmed in Sunday's final; Philippines stun Mexico, Australia win in extras
• WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024 Group A - Day 2: Dominican Republic on top after wins over Czechia & Australia. Venezuela beat Mexico; Australia edge Philippines
• WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024 - Group A - Day 1: Pimentel guides Venezuela to win over Australia; two homers lift Dominican Republic over Philippines. Mexico earn five-inning win against Czechia
• WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group A live on GameTime; TV rights awarded in Mexico, Czechia & Nicaragua
• Six teams chasing two tickets: Head coaches discuss WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A
• WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup - Group A Preview: Australia face stern challenge as world title defence starts in Hermosillo
• Six players to follow at WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A in Hermosillo
• Two WBSC Softball World Cups leave meaningful legacy - two world-class stadiums in Hermosillo