Mexico beat New Zealand to win WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026 bronze

World No. 8 Mexico secured their first-ever medal at the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup, claiming bronze in Sincelejo, Colombia with an 11-5 win over No. 7 New Zealand on Sunday.

It's Mexico's fifth WBSC Men's Softball World Cup medal overall (1 silver, 1 bronze in both the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup and WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup) and follows on from a fourth-place finish at the inaugural WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup in 2023 (not to mention a silver medal at the WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup in Mexico the same year).

In the Estadio 20 de Enero in Sincelejo, Axel Miranda led the Mexican offence with three RBIs, while Manuel Zepeda delivered a strong performance at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

"From the start, we were fighting for the medal," said Miranda. "We wanted that medal, we wanted to get on the podium. Honestly, I’m speechless, just very happy."

"It’s a medal that definitely has great value for us. It’s a medal at a World Cup, a third-place finish, we’re top three in the world. So I think everyone is very happy," said David Diaz, Mexico's captain.

"It’s something very significant for what we prepared back in Mexico. We were truly aiming for gold, but after not advancing against Japan, we had to push ourselves to earn the bronze," said head coach Carlos Parra.

Asked about the pitching strategy, the head coach said "Parra was available as a last option. We tried to give opportunities to pitchers who hadn’t thrown in the tournament, and I think it worked out," he said.

Diaz said the team improved as the tournament went on. "We started with a loss against Australia, but we changed our mindset and were able to move forward with wins," added Diaz. "This generation is on the rise because everyone is young, and several players are already part of the senior national team. I think we’re doing things very well."

The two sides had previously split their meetings in the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup, both in the Super Round. Mexico won 5-4 in 2023, while New Zealand had claimed a 10-1 victory in Sincelejo.

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Jayden Harris started for New Zealand but could not finish the first inning.

Lead-off hitter David Diaz was hit by a pitch, and Manuel Zepeda followed with an infield single to put runners on first and second with no outs. Christian del Valle struck out, before Axel Miranda sent a line drive into the left-field corner for a two-run triple, giving Mexico a 2-0 lead. Miranda then scored on Yahir Yerena’s double, and Yerena crossed the plate on Miguel Leyva’s single. Traye Wildrobe came in to replace Harris in the circle and struck out Juan Ramirez to end the inning.

Mexico’s pitching staff also ran into trouble in the first inning. José Contreras recorded the first out but then issued three consecutive walks to load the bases. Angel Valerio replaced Contreras and struck out Black Sox star Ryan Early, but followed with back-to-back walks that forced in two runs, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Guillermo Valerio then took over in the circle and ended the inning by striking out Ciaran Bolger.

An inning later, Mexico added to their tally, extending the lead to 6-2. Roberto Sierra reached on an error and later scored on a double by Christian del Valle. The Mexican catcher then came home on Miranda’s double, as Miranda drove in his third run of the game.

Mexico added four more runs in the top of the third inning, capitalising on four hits and two errors to extend the lead to 10-2. Roberto Sierra, Manuel Zepeda, and Christian del Valle each recorded an RBI in the frame.

New Zealand cut the deficit to 10-4 in the fourth inning on a solo home run by shortstop Tane Mumu and a run scored on a wild pitch. Mexico responded immediately, adding a run on an RBI double by Manuel Zepeda.

Key News

• Australia and Japan to meet in World Championship Final; Mexico, New Zealand to play for bronze
• From Sincelejo to the world stage: Julio Rosario’s journey of resilience and pride
• Day 8: Japan beat Mexico to set up World Championship final against Australia; New Zealand to face Mexico for bronze
• Australia through to U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup final; Japan, Mexico and New Zealand fight for last berth
• Day 7: Australia secure spot in World Championship Final; Japan, Mexico, New Zealand in contention for remaining spot
• Leading the next generation: Nick White on Canada’s future in softbal
• Kee Hyun Yap: Resilience, duty and passion drive Singapore’s center fielder
• Australia remain unbeaten as Besgrove sets record; Venezuela, New Zealand also win
• Youngest on the field, growing with every pitch; Frederik With’s breakthrough experience
• The art of the lineup: Strategy, adaptation and instinct
• From baseball World Cups to softball’s global stage: Aydee Osman’s unique journey
• Day 6: Australia outlast Japan; New Zealand beat Mexico in five innings; Venezuela claim first Super Round win
• Super Round schedule announced for WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup in Sincelejo
• Title race narrows to six teams at WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup
• Day 5: Japan, New Zealand, Venezuela advance to Super Round; Australia stay perfect, Mexico finish strong
• Australia, Mexico book Super Round spots in Group B; four teams battle for three places in Group A
• Day 4 Blog: Australia clinch Group B; Mexico edge Venezuela in extras; Japan beat New Zealand; Czechia, Canada, Argentina triumph
• Calling the game, building the trust: Catcher Oliver Stewart on working with Jack Besgrove
• Australia, New Zealand stay unbeaten on Day 3; Denmark record first win

• Day 3: Denmark make history; Mexico outlast Canada in thriller; Australia, Czechia, Japan, New Zealand win
• Valentin Mata: Carrying a legacy, building his own path
• The anatomy of game day: How teams prepare to compete at the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup
• Unbeaten teams emerge as crowds pack stands on Day 2 at WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup
• Day 2: Argentina win thriller against Japan; Australia beat Canada; run-rule wins for Czechia, Mexico, Venezuela and New Zealand
• From Sonora to the world stage, David Diaz anchors Mexico’s next generation
• Jean Flores bridges generations for Venezuela at U-23 Men's Softball World Cup
• Packed stadiums, record crowds and big wins mark Opening Day at WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2026
• Day 1: Colombia shine before 10,000; New Zealand, Venezuela, Japan cruise; Canada edge Denmark; Besgrove stars
• U-23 Men's Softball World Cup opens in Sincelejo before 10,000 fans at Estadio 20 de Enero
• WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2026: Contenders set for Opening Round battle in Sincelejo
• WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026: The numbers behind a global championship
• Men's softball rising generation ready for world stage: Players to watch in Sincelejo
• Watch the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2026 on GameTime
• 10 Things to Know about the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2026
• U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup: Records to beat in Sincelejo
• WBSC announces schedule for U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup

Key Links

• Official website
• Schedule and results
• Printable schedule 
• Official video promo
• Photos