Curaçao Little League captured the 2026 Little League International Championship with a convincing 4-0 win over Japan on Saturday, August 29 at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The victory sends the Caribbean Region champions into Sunday’s World Championship game against the Mountain Region from Henderson, Nevada.
Jaymiëll Martina dominated on the mound and added an RBI double at the plate as Curaçao controlled the game from the middle innings onward. The performance capped a strong run through the International bracket and set up a title matchup on national television.
Martina’s Outstanding Performance
Martina worked 5⅔ scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out 12. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the first inning with consecutive strikeouts and never let Japan back into the game. When he reached his pitch-count limit in the sixth, he left to a standing ovation that included applause from Japanese fans in the stands. Reliever Giendry Ryan recorded the final out to finish the shutout.
Martina also delivered an RBI double in the fourth that pushed the lead to 4-0. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball made him the clear standout of the Little League International Championship game.
How Curaçao Little League Took Control
Japan loaded the bases in the first but came away empty after Martina recorded back-to-back strikeouts. Curaçao broke through in the bottom of the third by capitalizing on defensive mistakes and aggressive small-ball play, including well-placed bunts. Three runs crossed in that inning and shifted the momentum for good.
Martina’s double in the fourth provided the final margin. From that point the Curaçao defense stayed clean and the pitching staff kept Japan off the scoreboard. This was the second time Curaçao had shut out Japan in the tournament. The two sides met earlier in pool play, when Curaçao combined for a 6-0 no-hitter.
Box Score
| Team | Runs | Hits | Errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Curaçao | 4 | 3 | 0 |
Curaçao’s defense was flawless while Japan committed four errors that proved costly in a low-scoring game.
Path Through the International Bracket
Curaçao advanced with consistent pitching and timely hitting. Key earlier results included a 12-3 win over Latin America and the earlier shutout of Japan. The team showed the ability to win both close games and more comfortable ones, a useful trait in a double-elimination style bracket.
Japan had looked impressive at times. They posted a 10-1 win over the Caribbean and a tight victory over Czechia. They also handled Mexico in a key elimination game. On Saturday, however, they could not solve Martina and paid for the defensive mistakes that allowed Curaçao to build its lead.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Curaçao will face the Mountain Region (Paseo Verde Little League from Henderson, Nevada) in the Little League World Series championship game on Sunday, August 30 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. Mountain Region won the U.S. Championship on Saturday with a 12-2 victory over Great Lakes (Ohio).
The consolation game between Japan and Great Lakes is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on ESPN. That matchup gives both sides one final chance to end the tournament with a win after falling in their respective title games.
Championship Context
The 2026 Little League World Series began August 19 and concludes Sunday with the World Championship. Curaçao becomes the International representative after a complete performance against one of the strongest programs in the field. Japan finishes as International runner-up and will play for third place in the morning game.
Williamsport has seen strong International teams in recent years, and Curaçao’s pitching depth and defensive focus give them a realistic chance against the U.S. champions. Mountain Region has shown power at the plate throughout the U.S. bracket, so Sunday’s final should offer a clear contrast in styles.
Looking Ahead to the Final
Martina’s 12-strikeout effort and the team’s clean defense gave Curaçao a clear edge on Saturday. The Caribbean champions now turn their attention to the Mountain Region in the last game of the summer in Williamsport. The 3 p.m. start on ABC will give the championship game a national audience and close out two weeks of youth baseball.
For Curaçao Little League, the International title is already a major achievement. A win on Sunday would make it a historic one.
