Rockford to Host 2027 Women's Baseball World Cup Finals

City will also host the 2026 Group Stage as women's baseball continues to grow in the region.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Rockford, Illinois has been selected to host the 2027 Women's Baseball World Cup Finals, marking the first time the championship event will be held in the state. The city will also host the 2026 World Cup Group Stage, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for women's baseball.

Why it matters

The announcement is a major boost for women's baseball, which has seen increased visibility and participation in recent years. Hosting the World Cup Finals in Rockford, known as the "Cradle of Women's Baseball," will help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of female ballplayers.

The details

The 2027 Women's Baseball World Cup Finals will take place July 19-25 at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park, a suburb of Rockford. The city will also host the World Cup Group Stage in July 2026, the first time the event has been held in Illinois. Japan has won the last seven World Cups, while the United States claimed the first two titles in 2004 and 2006.

  • The 2027 Women's Baseball World Cup Finals will be held July 19-25.
  • Rockford will host the World Cup Group Stage in July 2026.

The players

Kat Williams

CEO of the International Women's Baseball Center.

Riccardo Fraccari

President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

John Groh

President and CEO of GoRockford.

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What they’re saying

“The IWBC is excited to welcome the 2027 WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Finals. It is an honor to host the best of women's baseball in Rockford during the summer of 2026 for the Group Stage and in 2027, when the world champions of women's baseball will be crowned here, the Cradle of Women's Baseball!”

— Kat Williams, CEO of the International Women's Baseball Center

“Rockford has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to women's baseball, and following the Group Stage in 2026, returning for the Finals in 2027 is a testament to the city's world-class facilities, welcoming community, and deep baseball heritage.”

— Riccardo Fraccari, President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation

“Rockford has a reputation as one of the nation's most dynamic sports destinations, and hosting the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Finals in 2027 is a powerful affirmation of that strength. Our community continues to deliver world-class facilities, exceptional hospitality, and an unwavering commitment to athletes at every level.”

— John Groh, President and CEO of GoRockford

What’s next

The World Baseball Softball Confederation will announce the full 2026 and 2027 Women's Baseball World Cup schedules and ticket packages in the coming months.

The takeaway

Rockford's selection to host the 2027 Women's Baseball World Cup Finals, as well as the 2026 Group Stage, solidifies the city's status as a hub for the growing sport. This opportunity will help raise the profile of women's baseball and inspire more young girls to take up the game.