Four matches are scheduled for the opening day of the competition, the winner of which will earn a place at Tokyo 2020.

Hosts the United States face Nicaragua and Puerto Rico play the Dominican Republic in Group A.

In Group B, Venezuela take on Cuba and Colombia entertain Canada.

The opening round of the qualifier will be played over three days, with four games due to take place on each day.

The top two sides in each group will progress to the super round, with the winner of this booking their Tokyo 2020 spot.

In the super round, the qualifying teams will play the two sides from the group they were not a part of.

The result against the other qualifier from the same group will carry over and count to the points tally.

Teams finishing second and third after the super round will still have a chance to qualify for Tokyo 2020 through the final qualifier, due to be held in Mexico next month.

Australia, The Netherlands and Chinese Taipei have already reached that event.

Last month it was announced that ESPN+ had signed a streaming deal for the tournament in the US.

Men's baseball and women's softball are due to return to the Olympic programme in Tokyo after the sports were axed following Beijing 2008.