ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Rockford is ready to play ball, with the announcement that it will host the Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage next year.
The World Baseball Softball Confederation officially awarded hosting rights for the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026 to the International Women’s Baseball Center, with games to be played at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park.
“We are delighted to take the Women’s Baseball World Cup back to the United States,” said WBSC president Riccardo Fraccari. “In 2026, the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup will land in Rockford, Illinois, where that legend started. It will be a memorable experience for the whole WBSC family and the international women’s baseball community.”
The event, scheduled for July 22-27, 2026, marks the first time the Women’s Baseball World Cup will be held in Illinois and only the second time in the United States. In addition, IWBC and WBSC will activate World Cup programming at venues across the region, including Beyer Stadium, the home field of the Rockford Peaches.
The WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup describe the event as a two-stage program over consecutive years. The 10th edition of the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup ends in Summer 2027 with a six-team Final Stage. Leaders in Rockford say the IWBC and Rockford are also finalists to host the Final Stage event.
“When the International Women’s Baseball Center came to Rockford in 2016, we promised to bring the world to this community – well get ready, here they come,” said Dr. Kat Williams, IWBC CEO. “The IWBC is excited to partner with GoRockford, the City of Rockford, Rockford University, Rockford Park District and the Rockford Rivets to host the very best of women’s baseball next summer.”
“This is a landmark moment for Rockford and a proud milestone for GoRockford. Hosting the Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026 puts our community on the global stage and reaffirms our deep commitment to advancing women’s sports,” said John Groh, president/CEO of GoRockford in a news release. “The prestige of this tournament brings powerful economic, reputational and civic benefits to our region – while honoring the legacy of the Rockford Peaches and inspiring and supporting the next generation of athletes. We’re proud to stand with the International Women’s Baseball Center in championing this historic event and can’t wait to welcome the world to Rockford.”
Organizers say the competition schedule, ticket packages, community activations and more event information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Copyright 2025 WIFR. All rights reserved.