French 18U Open Championship

The 2026 season is gently drawing to a close. Only one competition remains on the schedule before turning attention to Baseball5, with the Dakar Games in sight. Then it will be time to gradually put away bats and gloves to face the winter break.

But before closing the chapter on this season, it’s time for the French 18U Open, a key event for the future of French baseball.

The 18U Challenge for Clubs

The 18U category is the top junior division, yet it unfortunately does not stand out for the number of clubs and players registered nationwide. The issue is well known: between the 15U and 18U age groups, many young players leave the field. Relocations, studies, new sports or cultural interests—the reasons vary, and rosters shrink as a result.

In this context, clubs that choose to maintain an 18U team deserve recognition. Keeping a program at this age is a real commitment to youth and the future of our sport. For several years, the defending champion PUC has set the example, embodying this determination to keep baseball alive among juniors.

Four Teams, Three Alliances, and a Title to Defend

This weekend, four teams will compete for the championship. The term ‘teams’ is particularly fitting here, as three of the four participating squads are formed through partnerships between multiple clubs.

The PUC will stand out as the exception, fielding only players from its own club. Meanwhile, the other teams have chosen to combine their resources: Clermont will team up with Meyzieu and Nord-Isère, Metz will welcome Lunéville’s support, and Toulouse will rely on Léguevin’s backing.

A fine example of club solidarity, essential to helping young players continue their journey to this category.

Compared to the 2025 edition, this year’s final four features a largely refreshed lineup. Only the PUC, last year’s champion, returns. Nice, Rouen, and Savigny, who fought for the title in the previous edition, make way for new contenders this time.

Nice Hosts the Semifinals

This year’s French 18U Open will take place in Nice, with two semifinals kicking off the weekend to set the tone: the PUC will face Toulouse, while Metz takes on Clermont.

On Sunday, the teams will return to the field for placement games, including a consolation final at 10:00 AM, before the main event—the championship final—at 3:00 PM.

Will the PUC manage to keep its crown? Or will a new champion emerge to add its name to the record books? The answer will come at the end of a weekend celebrating youth, club dedication, and the future of French baseball.