Switzerland was one of seven nations expected to compete in the competition slated for between January 4 and 7, but withdrew following the publication of the participating nations.

Australia, Austria, Germany, India, Samoa and the host nation were also scheduled to take part.

The International Fistball Association (IFA), which made the announcement in collaboration with the Organising Committee, said that Brazil and China had been unable to commit to the tournament for financial reasons.

Argentina were also unable to register after failing to secure economic support, the IFA claimed.

The worldwide governing body asserted that Germany and Austria both reaffirmed their commitment to playing but there were doubts whether Samoa would compete.

IFA President Jörn Verleger said that he feels "sorry for the athletes" after the cancellation.

"We understand the reasons put forward by our member federations and the organiser," Verleger said, adding the cancellation "only brings losers".

"The young players are our future, so I am very sad for all of them who will lose 'their' World Championships and probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Verleger thanked the New Zealand Fistball Association, and specifically Vikki Buston and Blase Dowall, for their efforts to organise the event.

Christoph Oberlehner, IFA secretary general, rejected the possibility of moving the World Championships to Argentina, suggesting that it was not "fair" to New Zealand and other Oceania members as the 2019 IFA Congress unanimously decided to award the event to New Zealand.

Oberlehner added: "We are now working together with the European Fistball Association on a solution to offer an U18 competition in summer 2023 for the youth players in Europe.

"The next U18 World Championship will be held in 2024 or early 2025 where we have three potential hosts.

"The bidding process will end soon."