Loverval, Belgium – Spain claimed victory at the Guardia Cup 2026 this weekend, capping off an international baseball tournament focused on growing the increasingly popular sport of Baseball Five. The two-day competition,held by the Binche Guardians,brought together teams from multiple countries,aiming to both showcase the game and expand its reach across Europe.
A New Kind of Baseball Gains Momentum
The Binche Guardians tournament highlighted the growing interest in Baseball Five, a more accessible version of the sport designed to attract younger players and broaden participation.
- The Guardia Cup 2026 saw teams from several nations compete in Baseball Five.
- The tournament is officially recognized by the Belgian Baseball Federation and contributes to Olympic qualifying points for Los Angeles 2028.
- baseball five is a simplified, accessible version of baseball played without gloves or bats.
- The event aims to develop Baseball Five throughout Belgium, France, and wider Europe.
For many participants, the tournament wasn’t just about winning; it was about fostering the development of Baseball Five. “This type of tournament helps develop the Baseball Five in Belgium, France and elsewhere in Europe. This is how the sport becomes better known,” said Abel Cuza, a player with the Tigers Thiais team from France.
What exactly *is* Baseball Five? It’s a modern adaptation of the game, designed for accessibility.Played on a smaller field without gloves or bats, players hit the ball with their hands, emphasizing teamwork and collective play.
The competition carries significant weight beyond a amiable match-up. “Part of the tournament is certified by the WBSC and concerns national teams.The rest mixes clubs and selections, which makes it possible to determine the final winner,” explained Antonin Cammers, president of the Guardians of Binche.
“Everyone can do it, especially in schools. Little equipment,we hit the ball by hand,and the game remains collective with attack and defence,” Cammers added,emphasizing the sport’s ease of entry.
The tournament also provided a platform for emerging talent. Thirteen-year-old Baptiste Leterme, a player for the Guardians of Binche, experienced international competition firsthand. “There is a lot of solidarity. When someone is eliminated, we still encourage them. Team spirit is super critically important,” Leterme shared. His team had a successful run, winning a match on friday and their first two matches on Saturday, a fact he noted with pride: “It’s really nice.”
Leterme’s participation isn’t just about the present; he has aspirations for the future. “I would like to join the national team one day. First, I will continue to play several tournaments,” he stated, demonstrating a clear commitment to the sport.
The event served as valuable preparation for visiting teams and underscored the growing strength of European baseball.”Every year the level increases.For Belgium as for Europe, it is indeed very positive for the development of the Baseball Five,” Cuza observed.
Pro tip-Baseball Five requires minimal equipment, making it a cost-effective sport for schools and communities to adopt.
Reader question-Baseball Five’s simplified rules and focus on teamwork aim to attract a wider range of players,including those new to baseball.
Ultimately, the Spaniards emerged victorious after two days of intense competition, winning the Guardia Cup 2026. The tournament was deemed a success both on and off the field, solidifying Belgian baseball’s position on the international stage.
