Great Britain have earned a landmark qualification for the 2026 World Baseball Classic thanks to a fourth-placed finish in Pool C of the 2023 tournament.
GB were making their tournament debut at this year's edition but opened with heavy defeats to Mexico and the United States before pitting their wits against Colombia.
Drew Spencer's side would seal a historic 7-5 win over the Colombians to reignite their chances of 2026 qualification, but their hopes were dealt a blow with a final 2-1 defeat to Mexico.
While out of contention for a place in the quarter-finals, GB only needed to finish fourth in the five-team section to qualify for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a feat they achieved courtesy of Colombia's final defeat to the United States.
Both GB and Colombia ended Pool C with a .250 winning percentage, but with Spencer's team winning the head-to-head, fourth place and a spot in the 2026 tournament was theirs as Colombia bowed out in fifth.
Mexico and the United States finished first and second respectively to advance to the last eight, while Canada finished third and qualified for the 2026 Classic alongside GB.
Cuba have already defeated Australia 4-3 to advance to the semi-finals, while Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Italy and Japan are also vying for spots in the last four.
Ben Knapton
