Team USA is cruising through the opening round of the 2026 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Oklahoma City, posting a 3-0 record in the first two days of play. They have yet to concede a run, beating Mexico, Brazil and the Netherlands in run-rule fashion.
The 16-player roster is made up almost entirely of Athletes Unlimited Softball League talent who share the goal of helping the U.S. Women’s National Team qualify for the LA28 Olympics but also earn their spot on the team.
The group stage event at Devon Park is one of three taking place this year. The WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup adopted a new format, with 18 teams divided into three groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the finals next year. The event is part of the “Road to LA28” – the highest-placed team at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in 2027 earns a direct spot in the LA28 Olympics.
Saturday, Sept. 12: USA 11 – Mexico 0
Team USA opened the tournament with a barrage of offense against Mexico, putting up 12 hits in a four-inning run-rule victory. They scored four runs in the second inning and seven in the third. Dejah Mulipola and Alyssa Brito both knocked two-run homers, and Maya Brady went 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Rachel Garcia picked up the win, throwing the first three frames and logging five strikeouts without giving up a hit. Lexi Kilfoyl came in for the fourth to close out the game.
Sunday, Sept. 13: USA 17 – Brazil 0
If the start against Mexico was any indicator, the following matchup confirmed USA’s affinity for the long ball in a 17-0 win over Brazil.
Brito left the yard again with a solo shot, and Brady had a three-run deep fly to left-center. Then Megan Grant launched a grand slam. Grant was 3-for-4 with seven RBIs and three runs scored.
Kelly Maxwell threw the entire outing with seven strikeouts and no walks, allowing just one hit.
Sunday, Sept. 13: USA 8 – Netherlands 0
The first two days of play closed out with a doubleheader for Team USA, who finished Sunday evening with another shutout win this time over the Netherlands.
Grant and Mulipola added to their home run totals, now with two apiece. Grant hit a three-run homer in the second inning, and then Mulipola led off with a solo bomb in the third. Jayda Coleman joined in on the fun, driving in two runs in the fifth with her first homer.
Skylar Wallace went 2-for-3 with two RBIs; Brady recorded two walks and scored twice.
Montana Fouts was dominant in the five-inning game, allowing only three hits, no walks and striking out eight batters.
The host country has moved into sole possession of first place with three wins and will continue opening round play on Monday and Tuesday. They’ll face New Zealand on Sept. 14 and China on Sept. 15. Both games will be at 8 p.m. ET.
Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter for the AUSL. You can follow her on Instagram @savvyco.
