WBSC Secretary General Beng Choo Low opened the event on behalf of President Riccardo Fraccari, "We are thrilled to have the best players here for our premium Women's Softball event. The World Cup has the potential to raise the visibility of our sport. Our thoughts are on the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but we are working every day to get softball not only into the Olympic programme, but also into the continental games." 

He also thanked the Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) for its organisational efforts in a sport that is growing exponentially. The Mayor of Udine, Alberto Felice De Toni, was excited to learn the differences between baseball and softball, "I can guarantee that I can't wait to attend the final and see the best in the world help me complete this learning experience."

The eight head coaches took to the stage first. The world's top-ranked team, the USA, will be the favourites in Group A. "As the United States National Team, we are aware of the expectations," said head coach Heather Tarr. "We know that we are one of the best teams, but we also know that we are playing against the best of the best." 

Tarr also commented on the likelihood of a USA-Japan final, "We will do our best to make that happen, but growing up in Washington State, I never dreamed I would be coaching at this level. My expectations are to enjoy this opportunity and put my players in a position to do their best." 

No. 3 Japan are the favourites in Group B. "Of course I cannot tell you who will win," said head coach Reika Utsugi. "What I think is required of someone in my position is to take the team to the final." Puerto Rico have improved a lot in the WBSC World Ranking and are is second. According to head coach David Santos, that's no surprise. "This team is the product of a 20-year programme. We've done a lot of development work and it's paying off." 

For Australia (10th) and Netherlands (8th), the race to the Super Round in Group B is not just a Japan-Puerto Rico affair. "Every coach wants their players to defy those expectations," said Australia's head coach Laing Harrow. "We will take it one goal at a time. Our goal is the Super Round." Ferenc Jongejan said the Netherlands are looking at the bigger picture. "Playing in the World Cup gives us a good opportunity to see where we are." 

Canada (5th) and Italy (6th) will battle it out behind the USA for a place in the Super Round. "We've made changes from the Olympic bronze team," said head coach Kaleigh Rafter, the starting catcher in Tokyo. "We have an interesting mix of youth and experience and feel ready to compete." Italy's Federico Pizzolini knows the challenge: "It will be very difficult. We are up against the best in the world. But I'm sure it will also be difficult against Italy. 

No. 17 China don't feel like underdogs. "We are improving fast," said head coach Chang Dong Tang through an interpreter. "We will do our best to get to the super round." 

US captain Ally Carda described the preparation process. "The United States put together two impressive teams. One played Japan in the All-Star Series and the other will defend its world title. "It has been a privilege to prepare with so many talented players. I think we are in the best possible position." 

Canada have also invested time and energy in their World Cup preparations. "We're counting down the 40 days together," said captain Kelsey Harshaw. "The team did very well at the Canada Cup and brought home the trophy." Italy captain Giulia Longhi agrees with her coach: "Facing Italy will be difficult for everyone. We are very proud to be playing the World Cup on home soil and we will give it our all on the pitch. 

China's Kai Lin Xi spoke about the status of women's softball in China through an interpreter. "A lot of girls born after 2000 have started playing softball in China. I'm confident that this group will be fully mature in time for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles." Japan captain, Kyoto Ishikawa, spoke of the strength of her team: "Nothing has changed even though we have a lot of younger players. We still rely on speed and attitude in defence and attack." 

Puerto Rico captain Karla Claudio echoed her coach impressions: "Some of these players have been together for 18 years. When we came to Chiba for the 2018 World Cup, our goal was to finish in the top five. We achieved that and now we want more." 

Iconic 'Aussie' captain Clare Warwick said the chemistry would help Australia: "We have worked a lot together, trying to improve in every aspect of the game. We have beclome a very united group and we will compete." Finally, Dutch captain Suka Van Gurp said, "We proved last year that we can compete with anyone and we are confident that we can do the same here."