ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule, Qualified Teams, Venues, and Key Details

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to bring cricket fever back to South Asia. Scheduled from February 6 to March 8, 2026, this edition will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marking a landmark collaboration between two cricket-loving nations.

After the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, the upcoming ICC T20 tournament promises even greater excitement, fresh talent, and world-class cricketing action.

T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

According to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, the tournament will begin on February 6, 2026, and conclude with the final on March 8, 2026.

While the venue for the final match has not yet been officially announced, early reports suggest that Colombo (Sri Lanka) or Ahmedabad (India) are the frontrunners. The choice will depend on the final qualification scenario, as Pakistan may not play matches in India due to bilateral conditions.

Cricket fans can expect the full match fixtures and detailed group stage schedules to be released by the ICC later in 2025.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams — maintaining the expanded format introduced in 2024. Out of these, 13 teams have already qualified through the ICC T20 rankings, previous tournament performance, and regional qualifiers.

Confirmed Teams So Far

Hosts:

• India
• Sri Lanka

From ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Performance (Top 7 Teams):

• Afghanistan
• Australia
• Bangladesh
• England
• South Africa
• United States
• West Indies

Based on ICC T20 Rankings (as of June 30, 2024):

• Ireland
• New Zealand
• Pakistan

Regional Qualifiers:

• Americas: Canada
• Europe: Netherlands, Italy
• Africa: Namibia, Zimbabwe
• Asia-Pacific: Nepal, Oman, UAE

That brings the total to 20 teams, showcasing representation from every continent — proof of cricket’s global reach and ICC’s vision to expand T20 cricket worldwide.

T20 World Cup 2026 Venues

While official confirmation is pending, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 venues are expected to include major stadiums in India and Sri Lanka.

Potential host cities include:

• Ahmedabad (Narendra Modi Stadium)
• Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium)
• Bengaluru (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium)
• Chennai (Chepauk Stadium)
• Colombo (R. Premadasa Stadium)
• Kandy (Pallekele International Stadium)

The final venue will likely be either Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on the knockout fixtures and team allocations.

T20 World Cup 2026 at a Glance

Significance of the 2026 Edition

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is more than just another cricket tournament — it represents:

• A revival of major ICC events in South Asia.
• The continuation of the 20-team format, making the sport more inclusive.
• A build-up to cricket’s Olympic return at the 2028 Los Angeles Games (LA28).
• A chance for teams like Nepal, Oman, and Italy to make their mark on the world stage.

This edition also strengthens the India–Sri Lanka cricket partnership, showcasing the region’s infrastructure and passion for T20 cricket.

ICC T20 Rankings and Road Ahead

The ICC T20 rankings will continue to play a major role in determining seedings for the group stage. Teams ranked in the top 8 by early 2026 will be placed in favorable pools, while the remaining sides will compete in qualifiers to advance to the Super 12 stage.

With strong performances from India, England, and Australia, and rising teams like Afghanistan and Nepal, the 2026 T20 World Cup promises unpredictable results and thrilling cricket.