Italy will make its return to Greenville, North Carolina, as Emilia Romagna Little League (Bologna, Italy) took home the Europe and Africa Region Championship with a 4-2 victory over Czechia, finishing the event with a 5-1 overall record to punch its ticket to the 2026 Little League Softball® World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods (LLSWS).
Emilia Romagna LL made it last trip to the LLSWS in 2024, while Italy has represented the Europe and Africa Region on eight previous occasions dating back to Lombardia Little League’s first trip in 2008. While the league finished 0-2 on the field during its trip in 2024, it was named the recipients of the Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award as voted on by its peers.
With the first-round matchups set, Emilia Romagna LL will compete in the Purple Bracket and will play in its first game against the winner of Game 1 between the Northwest and Southeast Region champions on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
The official schedule, first-round pairings, and website information for the 2026 LLSWS have been announced as this year’s LLBWS will take place from August 2-9, 2026. As a reminder, there is no cost to attend the Little League Softball World Series as parking and admission are completely FREE. For more information about the LLSWS, including visitor resources and more, check back all summer long at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.
In addition to the fun and excitement of the 2026 Little League Softball World Series, participants at this year’s event will also have the unique experience to spend time with the top athletes in the game as the AUSL heads to Greenville for the 2026 AUSL Pro Game at the LLSWS, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, featuring Olympic gold medalists Natasha Watley (now an AUSL advisor) and Lisa Fernandez (Utah Talons General Manager) taking the diamond as head coaches.
Fans can represent their favorite region by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org or stopping at the Little League Flagship Store on-site at the LLBWS Complex. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING on all U.S. orders all summer long.
Team Information:
- Region: Europe and Africa
- Region Tournament Record: 5-1
- League LLSWS Appearance: 3rd
- Country LLSWS Appearance: 9th
- Little League Charter Since: 2006
- Country Fun Fact: Italy has represented the Europe and Africa Region on eight occasions dating back to Lombardia Little League’s first trip in 2008.