Argentina and New Zealand have earned their places in the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025 after punching their tickets at the Group B tournament in Prince Albert, Canada.
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<p>World No. 1 Argentina and No. 10 New Zealand are the latest teams to earn the spots in the <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-womens-softball-world-cup-finals/home">WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals 2025</a> in Prince Albert, Canada from 8-13 July next year. </p>
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<p>After the thrilling conclusion of <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-xviii-mens-softball-world-cup-group-b/home">Group B</a> play on Sunday in Prince Albert, both teams have clinched their places alongside the first two finalists, <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2025-xviii-mens-softball-world-cup-finals/news/wbsc-mens-softball-world-cup-finals-2025-dominican-republic-australia-first-two-of-eight-finalists-confirmed">the Dominican Republic and Australia</a>, from Group A.</p>
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<p>Following the conclusion of Group B play, Canada were also confirmed in the Finals 2025 as hosts. </p>
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<p><a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2025-xviii-mens-softball-world-cup-finals/home"><img src="https://static.wbsc.org/assets/cms/shares/MSWC_2024_2025_Bracket.png" alt="WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024/2025" width="100%" height="auto"></a></p>
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<p>Argentina showcased their dominance and clutch performances throughout the Group B tournament, finishing with a perfect 5-0 win-loss record. Their path to the Finals was highlighted by convincing wins in the Opening Round against Israel, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and New Zealand, and topped by a <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-xviii-mens-softball-world-cup-group-b/news/wbsc-mens-softball-world-cup-2024-group-b-final-day-live-blog">dramatic 6-5 victory</a> over New Zealand in the Group B final.</p>
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<p>The world No. 1 recovered from a 4-1 deficit in the bottom of the fourth inning, tying the game with a three-run rally. Both sides exchanged runs, until Argentina scored on a wild pitch, punching the third ticket to the Finals 2025.</p>
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<p>Argentina's Ladislao Malarczuk, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of Group B, was key with a .385 batting average and stellar defence.</p>
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<p>New Zealand, despite losing twice to Argentina - once in the Opening Round and the second time in the final, earned their spot in the Finals 2025 through a resilient comeback in the Repechage game against Canada. The world No. 10 overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat the hosts 4-1, off a three-run homer by Ben Enoka in the bottom of the sixth inning, ensuring their place in next year’s Finals.</p>
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<p>Meanwhile, Canada finished third, while Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Israel, placed fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.</p>
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<p>The top two finishers of Group C and the best third-placed team across the three groups complete the set of eight participants in the 2025 Finals.</p>
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<p>Group C is scheduled <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-xviii-mens-softball-world-cup-group-c/teams" target="_blank">from September 17 to 21</a> in Oklahoma City, USA. The hosts and World No. 7 USA will compete with No. 4 Japan, No. 13 Guatemala, No. 17 Colombia, No. 18 South Africa, and No. 19 Netherlands.</p>
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