The World Baseball Softball Confederation has revealed the line-up for the 2017 Men’s Softball World Championship ©WBSC

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has revealed the line-up for the 2017 Men’s Softball World Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Canadian city Whitehorse in Yukon.

A near record-high of 20 nations, the second largest number in the event’s history, will be present for the 15th edition of the Championship from July 7 to 16.

The Americas has the biggest continental representation with seven countries; Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States and Venezuela.

Czech Republic, Denmark, Great Britain, Israel and Turkey make up Europe’s contingent, while Hong Kong, India, Indonesia and Japan will be flying the flag for Asia.

Completing the field are two nations from both Africa, Botswana and South Africa, and Oceania, Australia and number one seeds New Zealand.  

India and Turkey will be making their debuts in the event.

"The large field of teams competing in this year’s Men’s World Championship reflects the popularity and reach of softball across all regions and genders of the world," WBSC Softball Division President Dale McMann said.

"With all the top 10 WBSC ranked men’s national teams participating, games will be thrilling and action packed."

The previous edition of the Men’s Softball World Championship was held in Canadian city Saskatoon ©WBSC
The previous edition of the Men’s Softball World Championship was held in Canadian city Saskatoon ©WBSC

Hosts Canada will looking to defend the world title they won on home soil in Saskatoon in 2015, their first since 1992.

Six-time winners New Zealand took home the silver in 2015, while Venezuela claimed the bronze.

Earlier this month, the WBSC announced the appointment of 24 umpires from 15 countries to officiate at the Championship.

The umpiring staff will come from Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Canada, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa, the US and Venezuela.

The event will mark the first time Yukon has hosted an elite men’s competition, but the Canadian territory has staged three previous World Championships; the junior men’s in 2008 and 2014, as well as the senior women’s in 2012.

"We hope the exciting and fast-paced games at the 2017 Championship will inspire residents to take up the sport of softball, as well as inspire young athletes already enjoying softball to keep striving for a higher level," George Arcand, executive director of Softball Yukon, said.