2026, the year of challenges (Volume 2)
Baseball, Softball, Baseball5: France at the time of major events
After a first overview of the highlights of 2026, here is the second wave of information on a season that promises to be dense and strategic for the French teams. Some data may still evolve in the coming weeks — we will of course keep you informed of the official confirmations.
⚾ Baseball: Europe at home and eyes on 2027
🇫🇷 Évry-Courcouronnes at the heart of the 12U European Championship
From July 7 to 11, Évry-Courcouronnes will vibrate to the rhythm of the 12U European Championship. A major event for France, which will host the best European nations in this strategic category for the future.
Clear objective for the French youngsters: to join the Top 5 in Europe. Beyond the result, this competition represents an exceptional showcase for the development of French baseball and a unique opportunity to mobilize the public around the tricolor formation.
🇮🇹 An 18U Euro in Italy (to be confirmed)
From July 13 to 19, Italy is expected to host the 18U European Championship. Although the organization is not yet officially confirmed, a dozen teams are expected. A promising generation could defend the French colors in an increasingly competitive European context.
🇫🇷 The seniors in transition
No official competition for the French Senior Team in 2026. The tricolor staff has prioritized a series of friendly matches against a national selection not yet revealed.
Objective: to methodically prepare for the 2027 season, which will include, among other things, the Yoshida Challenge in the summer of 2027. A year of structuring, cohesion, and talent evaluation before the major continental challenges.
🥎 Softball: structuring and European ambitions
⭐ Women’s Super League: the elite in action
The Super League, bringing together the 30 best players in the women’s Division 1 championship, will return with two major dates, including the last weekend of May.
Big novelty in 2026: on April 11 and 12, a junior Super League will be born. A strong initiative to accelerate the training of talents and prepare the next generation at the highest level.
🥎 Men’s softball: a reform in progress
The men’s championship is not yet definitively set, but the ongoing project provides for:
- A merger of the 2025 D1 and D2 teams
- Two geographical pools in the first phase
- A France Challenge bringing together the four best teams
- Final phases « off » and « down »
A format designed to raise the overall level and project the future champion towards the 2027 European Cup.
🌍 Young European appointments
- Euro 15U in the Netherlands from July 25 to August 1
- Euro 22U in the Czech Republic from July 20 to 26
Two key competitions to measure the progress of French young players against the major European nations.
🖐 Baseball5: Olympic uncertainties and global ambitions
🇸🇳 Dakar 2026: suspense for the Youth Olympics
France’s participation in the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in November remains uncertain. The International Olympic Committee has not yet defined the exact number of European nations qualified.
France is a candidate, but will have to face competition from Lithuania and Turkey. The decision is expected in the coming months.
🌎 World Championship in Puerto Rico in December
Destination Puerto Rico for the Baseball5 World Championship. France will attempt to consolidate its international ranking.
But the task looks complex: Taiwan and Cuba are among the main favorites. The French will have to deliver a very high-level competition to compete.
Rumors also mention a possible integration of Baseball5 into the Mediterranean Games at the end of July — information to be monitored.
🔎 Various: appointments and international figures
🏛 A new National Technical Director expected
The appointment of the new National Technical Director (DTN) will take place on April 1. This position, under the Civil Service, will be officially announced by the Minister of Sports. A strategic decision for the future direction of French baseball and softball.
🌎 World Baseball Classic: Martinez Jr. heading for history?
Regarding the World Baseball Classic, a major piece of information has emerged.
Initially expected to join the Cuban selection, Ernesto Martinez Jr. will not participate in the competition with Cuba.
The reason? The Franco-Cuban has just been invited to the New York Yankees Spring Training and is on the first line-up of a preparation match.
Barring injury or poor performance, everything indicates that he could play at least one MLB game this season. This would be a historic first for a player trained in France in the history of American baseball. A potentially major page for French sport.
🇧🇷 A familiar face with Brazil
Also note the presence of Gabriel Do Carmo with the Brazilian selection. The former catcher who played for Montigny in 2024 and Sénart in 2025 will return to the international scene.
2026: a pivotal year
Between European competitions, structuring of national championships, Olympic ambitions in Baseball5, and possible historic firsts in MLB, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year.
French baseball, softball, and Baseball5 are entering an acceleration phase. The international scene is getting closer. Ambitions are growing.
And the story continues to be written.
