An official emblems has been unveiled for the WBSC U12 World Cup ©WBSC

Official branding and groups have been unveiled for the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-12 Baseball World Cup taking place in Tainan, Taiwan later this year.

Host and U12 World Cup 2015 silver medallists Taiwan will lock horns with current world number one ranked side Japan in Group A.

Mexico, Czech Republic, Brazil and South Africa complete the set.

Two-time defending U12 world champions United States will compete in Group B.

Third seeds South Korea are expected to form their primary opposition along with 2015 bronze medallists Nicaragua, and Australia, Panama and Germany.

The top three finishers from each group will continue in the Super Round group stage before a final takes place at the Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium.

A bus displaying the U12 Baseball World Cup branding ©WBSC
A bus displaying the U12 Baseball World Cup branding ©WBSC

The biennial event is due to take place from July 28 to August 6.

Developed by Leeds-based mega-events branding firm WORKS, the official emblem completes a set produced for all major WBSC events scheduled for this year.

A statement explained how the "youthful, high-energy colour palate and green highlighted ‘U-12’ wordmark" was selected to reflect the "bright future, evolution and excitement the next generation of baseball players".

“The U12 Baseball World Cup 2017 - an U12 World Championship - is unique in the world of sport,” said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. 

“This global youth platform, together with our newly launched Youth Commission, reflects how determined WBSC is to grow baseball/softball into one of the world’s biggest sports in the youth space.”