T20 World Cup 2026 is set to ignite the cricketing world like never before. As defending champions, India steps into the spotlight, aiming to defend their hard-fought 2024 title on home soil. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, this 10th edition promises high-octane action with 20 teams battling in 55 thrilling matches. From explosive batting displays to nail-biting finishes, the tournament captures the essence of T20 cricket’s fast-paced excitement.
Imagine the roar of massive crowds at iconic stadiums, star players unleashing their skills, and unexpected twists off the field. That’s T20 World Cup 2026 in a nutshell. With geopolitical tensions adding drama, this event isn’t just about cricket—it’s a global spectacle. At IPL Star, your go-to source for cricket news with a special IPL focus, we’re diving deep into every detail to keep you ahead of the game.
The tournament builds on its rich history. Since its debut in 2007, the Men’s T20 World Cup has grown from 12 teams to 20, showcasing cricket’s worldwide appeal. India, England, and West Indies each hold two titles, while Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia have one apiece. No host nation has ever lifted the trophy, putting extra pressure on India and Sri Lanka.
This ultimate guide covers it all. We’ll break down the T20 World Cup 2026 format, qualification, and groups. Then, explore the full schedule, key matches, and venues. Get insights into teams, squads, and players to watch. We also tackle the major controversies shaking things up. Finally, our predictions will hype you for what’s ahead.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, stick around. T20 World Cup 2026 is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of cricket’s spirit.
T20 World Cup 2026 Format, Qualification Process & Group Stage Breakdown
Understanding the T20 World Cup 2026 format is key to following the action. This edition sticks to the successful 2024 structure, ensuring fair play and excitement. Twenty teams compete in three phases: group stage, Super 8, and knockouts. It’s designed to give underdogs a shot while testing the giants.
First, the group stage runs from February 7 to 20. Teams are divided into four groups of five. Each plays four matches in a round-robin format. The top two from each group advance. Points are awarded: two for a win, one for a tie or no-result, zero for a loss. Ties in points use net run rate, head-to-head results, and pre-seeding.
Next, the Super 8 phase from February 21 to March 1. Eight qualifiers split into two groups of four, based on pre-tournament seeding. Group 1 seeds: India, Australia, West Indies, South Africa. Group 2 seeds: England, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. If a non-seed advances, it replaces the lowest seed in that slot. Round-robin again, with top two per group moving to semis.
The knockouts: Semifinals on March 4 and 5, final on March 8. Ties go to Super Over, with multiple if needed. This format keeps games intense and rewards consistency.
Now, how did teams qualify for T20 World Cup 2026? Twelve spots were direct. Hosts India and Sri Lanka got automatic entry. The top seven from 2024 Super 8 (Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies) joined them. Bangladesh originally qualified but withdrew, replaced by Scotland. The remaining direct spots went to top-ranked teams as of June 30, 2024: New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland.
Eight more came via regional qualifiers. Africa: Namibia, Zimbabwe. Americas: Canada. Asia and East Asia-Pacific: Nepal, Oman, United Arab Emirates. Europe: Italy (debutants), Netherlands.
Here’s a quick table summarizing qualification:
| Qualification Method | Teams |
|---|---|
| Hosts | India, Sri Lanka |
| Top 7 from 2024 Super 8 | Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies |
| Replaced Team | Scotland (for Bangladesh) |
| ICC T20I Rankings | New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland |
| Africa Qualifier | Namibia, Zimbabwe |
| Americas Qualifier | Canada |
| Asia/EAP Qualifier | Nepal, Oman, United Arab Emirates |
| Europe Qualifier | Italy, Netherlands |
The groups are stacked with rivalries. Group A features the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash. Group B has co-host Sri Lanka facing Australia. Group C pits England against West Indies. Group D promises quality with New Zealand vs South Africa.
Group A Breakdown
India leads as seeds and defending champs. Pakistan brings flair, USA rides 2024 momentum, Netherlands offers upsets, Namibia adds grit.
| Team | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| India | Balanced squad, home advantage |
| Pakistan | Explosive batting, pace attack |
| United States | Emerging talent, fearless play |
| Netherlands | All-round depth |
| Namibia | Solid bowling |
Group B Breakdown
Australia, the 2021 winners, face hosts Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman could surprise.
| Team | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| Australia | Experience, big-hitters |
| Sri Lanka | Spin wizards, home crowd |
| Zimbabwe | Young energy |
| Ireland | Fighting spirit |
| Oman | Underdog potential |
Group C Breakdown
England defends their 2022 title against West Indies. Scotland steps in for Bangladesh, with Italy debuting and Nepal adding flair.
| Team | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| England | Aggressive batting |
| West Indies | Power-hitting |
| Scotland | Resilient qualifiers |
| Italy | Fresh enthusiasm |
| Nepal | Passionate fans |
Group D Breakdown
Afghanistan’s spin threat meets New Zealand’s consistency. South Africa, Canada, and UAE round it out.
| Team | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | World-class spinners |
| New Zealand | Tactical brilliance |
| South Africa | Pace battery |
| Canada | Associate grit |
| United Arab Emirates | Regional experience |
These groups set the stage for drama. With T20 World Cup 2026 groups finalized, fans are buzzing.
T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, Key Matches & Venues
The T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is out, packed with 55 matches across 32 days. It kicks off on February 7 with three games, building to a grand final on March 8. All times in IST, perfect for Indian fans.
Group stage: 40 matches from February 7-20. Super 8: 12 matches February 21-March 1. Semis: March 4-5. Final: March 8.
Marquee fixtures steal the show. The opener sees Pakistan vs Netherlands in Colombo. But all eyes are on India vs Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo—a neutral venue due to agreements. Other highlights: India vs USA (Feb 7, Mumbai), England vs West Indies (Feb 11, Mumbai), Australia vs Sri Lanka (Feb 16, Kandy).
Here’s the full group stage schedule in table form:
| Date | Fixture | Group | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 7 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | A | Colombo (SSC) | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 7 | West Indies vs Scotland | C | Kolkata | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 7 | India vs United States | A | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 8 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | D | Chennai | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 8 | England vs Nepal | C | Mumbai | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 8 | Sri Lanka vs Ireland | B | Colombo (RPS) | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 9 | Scotland vs Italy | C | Kolkata | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 9 | Zimbabwe vs Oman | B | Colombo (SSC) | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 9 | South Africa vs Canada | D | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 10 | Netherlands vs Namibia | A | New Delhi | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 10 | New Zealand vs UAE | D | Chennai | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 10 | Pakistan vs United States | A | Colombo (RPS) | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 11 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | D | Ahmedabad | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 11 | Australia vs Ireland | B | Colombo (SSC) | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 11 | England vs West Indies | C | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 12 | Sri Lanka vs Oman | B | Kandy | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 12 | Nepal vs Italy | C | Mumbai | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 12 | India vs Namibia | A | New Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 13 | Australia vs Zimbabwe | B | Colombo (RPS) | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 13 | Canada vs UAE | D | New Delhi | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 13 | United States vs Netherlands | A | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 14 | Ireland vs Oman | B | Colombo (SSC) | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 14 | England vs Scotland | C | Kolkata | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 14 | New Zealand vs South Africa | D | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 15 | West Indies vs Nepal | C | Mumbai | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 15 | United States vs Namibia | A | Chennai | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 15 | India vs Pakistan | A | Colombo (RPS) | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 16 | Afghanistan vs UAE | D | New Delhi | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 16 | England vs Italy | C | Kolkata | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 16 | Australia vs Sri Lanka | B | Kandy | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 17 | New Zealand vs Canada | D | Chennai | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 17 | Ireland vs Zimbabwe | B | Kandy | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 17 | Scotland vs Nepal | C | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 18 | South Africa vs UAE | D | New Delhi | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 18 | Pakistan vs Namibia | A | Colombo (SSC) | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 18 | India vs Netherlands | A | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 19 | West Indies vs Italy | C | Kolkata | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 19 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | B | Colombo (RPS) | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 19 | Afghanistan vs Canada | D | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 20 | Australia vs Oman | B | Kandy | 11:00 AM |
Super 8 and knockouts depend on qualifiers. Semifinal 1: March 4 (Kolkata or Colombo). Semifinal 2: March 5 (Mumbai). Final: March 8 (Ahmedabad or Colombo).
Venues blend history and modernity. Five in India, three in Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s matches are in Sri Lanka per BCCI-PCB deal.
| Venue | Location | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad, India | 132,000 | Final (March 8), India vs Netherlands (Feb 18) |
| MA Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai, India | 39,000 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan (Feb 8), Afghanistan vs Canada (Feb 19) |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | New Delhi, India | 55,000 | Netherlands vs Namibia (Feb 10), India vs Namibia (Feb 12) |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai, India | 33,108 | India vs USA (Feb 7), Semifinal 2 (March 5) |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata, India | 68,000 | West Indies vs Scotland (Feb 7), Semifinal 1 (March 4) |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 35,000 | Sri Lanka vs Ireland (Feb 8), India vs Pakistan (Feb 15) |
| Sinhalese Sports Club | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 10,000 | Pakistan vs Netherlands (Feb 7), Pakistan vs Namibia (Feb 18) |
| Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | Kandy, Sri Lanka | 35,000 | Sri Lanka vs Oman (Feb 12), Australia vs Oman (Feb 20) |
These grounds have seen legends made. Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest, hosts the final—expect fireworks.
T20 World Cup 2026 Teams, Final Squads & Players to Watch
T20 World Cup 2026 teams are locked in, with 20 nations ready to rumble. From powerhouses like India and Australia to debutants Italy, diversity shines. Squads were finalized by late January 2026, blending youth and experience.
Let’s spotlight top contenders. Each has strengths, weaknesses, and recent form shaping their campaign.
India (Defending Champions, Group A)
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav. Post-2024 win, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is. Focus on youth.
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Strengths: World-class bowling (Bumrah, Arshdeep), explosive batting, spin options. Home pitches suit them.
Weaknesses: Inexperience in big moments for some youngsters.
Recent Form: Dominant in bilateral series, confident after 2024 triumph.
Players to Watch: Jasprit Bumrah (pace maestro), Suryakumar Yadav (360-degree hitter), Abhishek Sharma (opener with flair).
Australia (Group B)
Captain: Mitchell Marsh. Missing Pat Cummins due to workload, but depth remains.
Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Strengths: All-round firepower, big-game experience.
Weaknesses: Spin vulnerability on subcontinent tracks.
Recent Form: Strong in T20s, but 2024 early exit motivates.
Players to Watch: Travis Head (destructive opener), Glenn Maxwell (match-winner), Adam Zampa (leg-spin ace).
England (Group C)
Captain: Harry Brook (Jos Buttler injured? Wait, latest: Harry Brook c). Rebuilding after 2024 semis.
Squad: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.
Strengths: Aggressive approach, versatile bowlers.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent middle order.
Recent Form: Mixed, but talent abounds.
Players to Watch: Jos Buttler (explosive keeper), Adil Rashid (wicket-taker), Phil Salt (powerful starter).
Pakistan (Group A)
Captain: Salman Ali Agha. Amid controversies, focus on unity.
Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Strengths: Pace attack (Shaheen, Naseem), batting depth.
Weaknesses: Inconsistency, off-field distractions.
Recent Form: Up and down, but always dangerous.
Players to Watch: Babar Azam (elegant batter), Shaheen Shah Afridi (swing king), Saim Ayub (young gun).
South Africa (Group D)
Captain: Aiden Markram. Chokers tag to shake off.
Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
Strengths: Lethal pace, solid batting.
Weaknesses: Spin options limited.
Recent Form: 2024 runners-up, hungry for silverware.
Players to Watch: Kagiso Rabada (fast bowler), Heinrich Klaasen (finisher), David Miller (experience).
West Indies (Group C)
Captain: Rovman Powell. Two-time champs (2012, 2016).
Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
Strengths: Power-hitters galore.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent bowling.
Recent Form: Strong at home, but 2024 Super 8 exit stings.
Players to Watch: Nicholas Pooran (destructive), Andre Russell (all-rounder), Jason Holder (leader).
New Zealand (Group D)
Captain: Kane Williamson? Wait, latest: Mitchell Santner (c) for T20s.
Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Ish Sodhi, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Strengths: Balanced, adaptable.
Weaknesses: Lack of superstars.
Recent Form: Steady performers.
Players to Watch: Trent Boult (swing expert), Glenn Phillips (versatile), Rachin Ravindra (rising star).
Afghanistan (Group D)
Captain: Rashid Khan. Spin kings.
Squad: Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran.
Strengths: Mystery spinners dominate.
Weaknesses: Batting fragility.
Recent Form: 2024 semis breakthrough.
Players to Watch: Rashid Khan (leg-spin genius), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (opener), Mohammad Nabi (veteran).
For emerging teams:
- United States (Group A): Monank Patel (c). Building on 2024 success.
- Scotland (Group C): Richie Berrington (c). Replacement for Bangladesh, ready to shine.
- Italy (Group C, Debut): Wayne Madsen (c). Exciting newcomers with JJ Smuts.
- Others like Nepal (Sandeep Lamichhane key), Namibia (Gerhard Erasmus), etc., add flavor.
Full squads in tables below for quick reference.
| Team | Squad |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa. |
| Ireland | Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock (wk), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben White, Craig Young. |
| Oman | Aqib Ilyas (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale (wk), Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi (wk), Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Rafiullah, Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, Shakeel Ahmad, Khalid Kail. |
| Zimbabwe | Sikandar Raza (c), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Ainsley Ndlovu, Richard Ngarava, Craig Ervine, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe. |
| Canada | Saad Bin Zafar (c), Aaron Johnson, Dilon Heyliger, Dilpreet Bajwa, Harsh Thaker, Jeremy Gordon, Junaid Siddiqui, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur (wk), Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Pargat Singh, Ravinderpal Singh, Rayyankhan Pathan, Shreyas Movva (wk). |
| United Arab Emirates | Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Farooq, Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Aayan Khan, Basil Hameed, Junaid Siddique, Umair Ali Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Vriitya Aravind (wk), Zuhaib Zubair, Omid Rahman, Rahul Chopra, Tanish Suri. |
| Nepal | Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Anil Sah, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee. |
| Netherlands | As per above. |
| Namibia | As per above. |
| Italy | Wayne Madsen (c), JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti, Benjamin Manenti, Gareth Berg, Joe Burns, Marcus Campopiano, Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Madupa Fernando, Grant Stewart, Jaspreet Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Baljit Singh. |
| Scotland | Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear (wk), Christopher Sole, Mark Watt. |
These T20 World Cup 2026 squads highlight global talent. Watch for breakthroughs.
Major Controversies, Geopolitical Challenges & Predictions for T20 World Cup 2026
T20 World Cup 2026 isn’t without drama. Geopolitical issues have overshadowed preparations, testing cricket’s unity.
The biggest shock: Bangladesh’s withdrawal. In January 2026, amid India-Bangladesh tensions, BCCI released Mustafizur Rahman from IPL. BCB cited security, requesting Sri Lanka venues. ICC refused, replacing them with Scotland—the highest non-qualifier. This sparked outrage, with Pakistan criticizing ICC’s “inconsistent” handling.
Pakistan responded boldly. On February 1, 2026, their government approved participation but boycotted the February 15 India match. It’s a protest over Bangladesh’s treatment and ongoing Indo-Pak issues. ICC warned of sanctions, saying “selective participation” violates tournament spirit. PCB deliberated full withdrawal but opted for this. Revenue losses could hit millions, affecting broadcasters.
Visa woes added fuel. ICC helped over 40 Pakistani-origin players/coaches from teams like Canada, Netherlands, UAE get visas amid delays. No full boycotts, but tensions linger.
These challenges highlight cricket’s diplomatic role. ICC pushes unity, but politics intrude. Implications: Potential schedule tweaks, financial hits, and questions on governance.
Now, predictions. India favorites with home edge, spin depth. Expect them in finals. Australia and England dark horses—proven winners. Pakistan, despite drama, could thrive on motivation. Afghanistan’s spinners suit conditions; South Africa overdue for glory.
Upsets? USA or Scotland could advance. Semis: India, Australia, England, South Africa. Winner: India retaining title.
Stats back favorites. Past winners never defended successfully, but India’s 2024 form (unbeaten) suggests history-making.
| Past T20 World Cup Winners | Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | India | Pakistan | |
| 2009 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | |
| 2010 | England | Australia | |
| 2012 | West Indies | Sri Lanka | |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | India | |
| 2016 | West Indies | England | |
| 2021 | Australia | New Zealand | |
| 2022 | England | Pakistan | |
| 2024 | India | South Africa |
T20 World Cup 2026 controversies add spice, but cricket will prevail.
Why T20 World Cup 2026 Will Be Unforgettable
T20 World Cup 2026 stands as a milestone—expanded format, global stars, and real-world drama. India’s defense, associate nations’ rise, and iconic venues ensure memories.
From packed stadiums to last-ball thrillers, it’s cricket at its best. Controversies remind us of the sport’s broader impact, but unity shines through.
Stay tuned to IPL Star for live updates, analysis, and more. Watch on Star Sports or ICC app. Who lifts the trophy? Let the games begin!
For more on T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, visit ICC site.
FAQs for T20 World Cup 2026
- When and where is the T20 World Cup 2026 being held? The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Matches will be played across iconic venues in both countries, including Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), and R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo).
- What is the full T20 World Cup 2026 schedule and key fixtures? The T20 World Cup 2026 schedule features 55 matches: group stage (Feb 7–20), Super 8 (Feb 21–March 1), semifinals (March 4–5), and final (March 8). Highlight fixtures include India vs Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo, the opening match Pakistan vs Netherlands (Feb 7), and India vs USA (Feb 7) in Mumbai.
- Which teams are playing in the T20 World Cup 2026? Twenty teams compete in T20 World Cup 2026, including hosts India and Sri Lanka, defending champions India, powerhouses like Australia, England, Pakistan, and emerging sides such as debutants Italy, USA, Scotland (replacing Bangladesh), Nepal, and Namibia.
- What are the T20 World Cup 2026 groups? The T20 World Cup 2026 groups are:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
- Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
- Group C: England, West Indies, Scotland, Italy, Nepal
- Group D: Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, UAE
- Who are the favorites and defending champions in T20 World Cup 2026? India enters as defending champions after their 2024 triumph and are strong favorites due to home advantage and balanced squad led by Suryakumar Yadav. Other contenders include Australia, England, South Africa, and dark horses Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- What venues will host T20 World Cup 2026 matches? T20 World Cup 2026 venues include five in India (Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad, Wankhede Mumbai, Eden Gardens Kolkata, MA Chidambaram Chennai, Arun Jaitley Delhi) and three in Sri Lanka (R. Premadasa Colombo, SSC Colombo, Pallekele Kandy). The final is likely at Narendra Modi Stadium.
- Who are the key players to watch in T20 World Cup 2026 squads? Standout players in T20 World Cup 2026 squads include Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav (India), Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell (Australia), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan), Jos Buttler (England), and Nicholas Pooran (West Indies).
- What is the T20 World Cup 2026 format? The T20 World Cup 2026 format has three stages: group stage (4 groups of 5, top 2 advance), Super 8 (2 groups of 4 with pre-seeding), and knockouts (semifinals and final). Ties are decided by Super Over.
- Are there any controversies surrounding T20 World Cup 2026? Major T20 World Cup 2026 controversies include Bangladesh’s withdrawal (replaced by Scotland) over security and player release issues, and Pakistan’s government-directed boycott of their February 15 match against India in protest, raising concerns about geopolitics affecting the tournament.
- Who is likely to win the T20 World Cup 2026? India is tipped to retain the title in T20 World Cup 2026, leveraging home conditions and depth. Strong challengers include Australia, England, and South Africa, while Afghanistan’s spin attack makes them dangerous dark horses.