We kind of missed the announcement a few days ago. The International Softball Federation (ISF) has set the schedule for the 12th Women’s World Softball Championship in Caracas, Venezuela from June 23 to July 2. See the press release below.
Complete Game Schedule (PDF-file)
Press Release International Softball Federation
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GAME SCHEDULE SET
16 Countries to Compete Over Ten Days in Venezuela
PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) — The full list of 66 games that will be played at the International Softball Federation’s XII Women’s World Championship was announced today by the sport’s world governing body. Caracas, Venezuela, will host the ten-day competition (June 23-July 2), which will consist of national teams from 16 different countries.
The first game will feature Japan against Argentina, and Opening Ceremonies will also take place that day. Team USA comes in as the defending world champions, having defeated Japan in the gold medal game of the last edition of the event, which took place four years ago in Beijing, China. Just two years later, however, in that same stadium, Japan would avenge the 2006 loss by capturing the Olympic softball gold medal with a 3-1 victory over the Americans. The two teams are in separate pools for this year’s world championship, however, so the opportunity to go head-to-head wouldn’t come until a possible playoff matchup.
“Without question we are certainly in store for some exciting competition at the women’s world championship,” ISF President Don Porter said. “The fans and media will witness some terrific play by elite-level athletes over those ten days in Caracas.”
“This is just another step bringing us closer to the event. Today we’ve announced the game schedule. The organizing committee is in the process of launching the event website. And with this list of games in hand we will now work to finalize plans for international TV coverage. With only 91 days until the first pitch, everything is coming together for what I’m confident will be a world-class experience not only for the athletes but for all parties involved,” Mr. Porter said.
The 16 teams that will compete are: Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Great Britain, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, and Venezuela.