The Americans triumphed in 2013, 2015 and 2017 by beating hosts Chinese Taipei in the final on each occasion.

They will be among the favourites for more success at the boys' tournament when competition gets underway at the brand new Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadium.

Built at a cost of $130 million (£105 million/€115 million), the facility will host the next five Under-12 World Cups and has been designed specifically for players aged 12 and under.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari has described the stadium as the best youth facility in the world for any sport, not just baseball and softball.

It features two baseball stadiums which have been specially calibrated for young players, as well as two practice sites, a hotel and players' village.

The Taiwan Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame are also located at the complex alongside public batting cages.

There are 8,000 permanent seats and plans to add senior and professional facilities in the future.

The US have been placed in Group B and will meet 2017 bronze medallists Mexico, South Korea, Australia, Venezuela and Italy.

Hosts Chinese Taipei, the Asian under-12 champions who won the inaugural tournament in 2011, headline Group A with Japan, Czech Republic, South Africa, Cuba and wildcard side Fiji.

The top three teams from each group will advance to the super round where results will carry over, with the top two teams in this then contesting the final on August 4.

Tomorrow's opening matches in Group A see Japan play Czech Republic, South Africa take on Fiji and Chinese Taipei play Cuba.

The US will open against Australia in Group B, with Italy taking on Venezuela and Mexico playing South Korea.

All WBSC age group events count towards the organisation's overall national rankings.

A mixed softball event is to be included this year for the first time.