Mexico celebrate knocking out United States ©WBSC

Defending champions United States have sensationally suffered a group stage exit at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-12 World Cup after losing 2-1 to Mexico in Taiwan.

The Americans were eyeing a fourth title in a row but lost their second Group B game after earlier being stunned 7-6 by Venezuela.

They still have to play South Korea tomorrow, in a game rescheduled due to rain, but regardless of the outcome they can no longer break into the top three to reach the super round with all other group matches now complete.

Mexico's starting pitcher Yustin Canizales was their star man at Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadium, going the distance with 87 pitches and batting in both of his side's runs himself.

His country have ended the group with four wins and one defeat to qualify for the super round in second behind the Koreans, who have a 100 per cent record before their clash with the US tomorrow.

South Korea enjoyed a comfortable 11-0 win over eliminated Italy today and have topped the group despite having a game in hand.

Venezuela thrashed winless Australia 13-0 to finish third and qualify for the super round with three wins and two defeats.

The US will move onto the same record if they beat South Korea tomorrow but their earlier loss to the South Americans means they can only finish fourth.

Italy have ended fifth after their sole win against last-placed Australia.

In Group A, Japan, hosts Chinese Taipei and Cuba are the countries to advance.

Cuba advanced after defeating Czech Republic in a crunch clash ©WBSC
Cuba advanced after defeating Czech Republic in a crunch clash ©WBSC

Japan ended with five wins from five as they defeated South Africa 15-0.

Chinese Taipei, the runners-up behind the Americans at the last three tournaments, made it four wins and one defeat in second as they eased past wildcard side Fiji 32-0.

Cuba won a straight shoot-out with Czech Republic 3-0 to book the third spot in the next round.

Both countries started the day with two wins and two defeats.

South Africa finished fifth in the group with Fiji last.

The super round will begin on Thursday (August 1) with countries meeting the qualifiers from the other group.

Japan will begin against Venezuela with Cuba playing Mexico and South Korea locking horns with Chinese Taipei.

Results against sides already played carry over.

The top two sides at the end of the super round will play for gold on August 4.

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