By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippine Blu Girls’ Olympic dream just got a huge lift after securing a wild card berth in the 2026 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Lima, Peru on July 14 to 18.
The development came after the world No. 13 Nationals replaced Uganda, which failed to meet the Participation Agreement deadline.
The Blu Girls are bracketed with No. 1 Japan, No. 3 Puerto Rico, No. 12 Great Britain, No. 16 Venezuela and No. 18 host Peru.
It was a lucky break for the Blu Girls, who missed out on qualifying for this year’s World Cup after finishing fourth in the 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup.
The Women’s Softball World Cup will serve as the first qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It will be played under a two-stage format, with the other group stages taking place in Czechia and the United States.
Australia, Canada, Cuba, Czechia, Italy and Chinese Taipei will be competing in Prague, Czech Republic, while China, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States will battle in Oklahoma, United States.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the World Cup Finals slated in Australia in 2027.
This serves as the Blu Girls ninth participation in the Women’s Softball World Cup and second straight appearance, having won the bronze in Osaka in 1970 during the country’s debut in the tournament.
