Hosts the United States will begin their quest for a third consecutive Under-19 Women's Softball World Cup title tomorrow when they face Mexico in one of the two tournament openers in Irvine ©Glenn Gervot/WBSC

Hosts the United States will begin their quest for a third consecutive Under-19 Women's Softball World Cup title tomorrow when they face Mexico in one of the two tournament openers in Irvine.

The six-time champions have been drawn into Group A for the 16-team event, due to run through to August 17, at Bill Barber Park.

The US will also go up against Botswana and Czech Republic.

Group C action is also scheduled to begin tomorrow as Puerto Rico face Brazil.

China and Ireland complete the Group C line-up.

Group B is headlined by Japan, who are second to the US in the world rankings.

The 16 competing teams have been drawn into four groups ©WBSC
The 16 competing teams have been drawn into four groups ©WBSC

Japan will meet Australia, Italy and South Africa, while Group D is made up of Canada, Chinese Taipei, The Netherlands and New Zealand.

The top two finishers from each group will advance to the eight-team super round, scheduled to be held from Tuesday (August 13) to Friday (August 16).

On Saturday (August 17), the top two teams from the super round will compete in the final, while the third and fourth-place teams will contest the bronze medal game.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation unveiled the logo for the Under-19 Women's Softball World Cup in February.

It marked the first step of the re-branding process of the Softball World Championships into Softball World Cups.

The logo becomes the permanent identity for the Under-18 Women’s Softball World Cup, which will replace the under-19 category from 2020 onwards.