Ghana’s Golden Palms Drawn in Group D for WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has announced the official groups and schedule for the 2025 WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup, which will take place in Nayarit, Mexico, from 24 to 27 September. Representing Ghana on the global stage, the Golden Palms have been drawn into a tough Group D, opening their campaign against World No. 3 France.

Group D Lineup

• No. 3 France
• No. 4 Chinese Taipei
• No. 16 Ghana – The Golden Palms
• No. 56 Puerto Rico

Group D is tipped to deliver some of the fiercest competition of the opening round. France and Chinese Taipei enter the tournament as top-four ranked nations and medal favorites, while Puerto Rico, though ranked 56th, is known for its proud baseball tradition and unpredictable style of play.

The Golden Palms, currently ranked No. 16 in the world, embody the rise of Baseball5 in Ghana and Africa at large. Their presence at this stage is a testament to how fast the sport is growing in the region, and the team is eager to prove themselves against the world’s elite.

The 16 qualified nations are split into four groups, playing 24 games in the Group Stage. Every team progresses to the single-elimination playoffs, starting with the Round of 16 on 25 September at 3:00 pm (local time). The semifinals are scheduled for 26 September, followed by the Bronze Medal Game and World Championship Final on 27 September.

The Golden Palms will feature in the opening game of the entire competition, taking on France on 24 September at 8:30 am local time. Later the same day, they will return for their second Group Stage game, as all teams play a doubleheader on Day 1.

Going up against two of the strongest nations in the world, France and Chinese Taipei, will demand resilience and teamwork, while their clash with Puerto Rico could be decisive in building momentum for the knockout rounds. Since every team is guaranteed a playoff spot, Ghana’s Golden Palms will aim to defy expectations, deliver spirited performances, and create a historic run in Mexico. Success here would not only put Ghana firmly on the Baseball5 map but also inspire a new wave of young athletes back home.