The WBSC Under-23 Baseball World Cup is due to begin in Monterrey tomorrow ©WBSC

Action at the first World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-23 Baseball World Cup is due to begin tomorrow with games involving all 12 participating teams in the Mexican city of Monterrey.

The men's event will replace the Under-21 World Cup last held in November 2014 in Taichung, Taiwan.

Hosts Mexico will face a tricky time if they are to qualify from Group B as they face competition from the world's top ranked side, Japan, as well as fourth ranked, Taiwan.

The Taiwanese will face Argentina in the opening game of the day before Japan lock horns with Nicaragua.

Japan won the silver medal in Taichung as the Nicaraguans finished fourth.

Eighth ranked Mexico will then face fellow Pan-American team, Panama.

Group A will begin with a clash between Austria and Australia before South Africa take on Venezuela.

All 12 teams will be in action when the Under-23 Baseball World Cup opens in Monterrey ©WBSC
All 12 teams will be in action when the Under-23 Baseball World Cup opens in Monterrey ©WBSC

Taichung bronze medallists South Korea will then take on fifth-placed Czech Republic.

Other baseball giants like United States and Cuba are not participating.

The competition is due to take place until November 6.

The World Cup is due to play a key role in qualifying for the flagship Premier12 in 2019, with the event awarding the highest amount of world ranking points this year.

The winning nation will be awarded 690 world ranking points - the third-largest award, following the top-tier international flagship competitions the Premier12 and the World Baseball Classic.

The silver and bronze medallists will receive 551 points and 502 points respectively, with 453 going to fourth, 404 to fifth, 355 to sixth, 305 to seventh, 256 to eighth, 207 to ninth, 158 to 10th, 109 to 11th, and 60 to 12th.