A Fresh Schedule in Simple Words
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is officially set to run from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Matches are expected to be held at a minimum of five venues in India and two in Sri Lanka. In total, 20 teams will compete in 55 matches, the same number as in 2024.
How the Final Venue Will Be Decided
The final is most likely to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, the match may shift to Colombo if Pakistan reaches the final.
This arrangement is part of a broader agreement: Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka when India is co-hosting, regardless of the stage.
What the Tournament Format Looks Like
The structure remains familiar and easy to follow:
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Group Stage: Four groups of five teams each
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Super Eight: The top two from each group move forward
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Knockout Rounds: Semi-finals, followed by the final
Teams and Qualification: Who’s In Already
Fifteen teams have already secured their places—including hosts India and Sri Lanka, along with Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Bangladesh, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Italy, who will make their first-ever appearance.
The final five spots will be decided through regional qualifiers—two from Africa and three from the Asia/East-Asia-Pacific regions.
A Quick Overview
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 7 – March 8, 2026 |
| Hosts | India and Sri Lanka |
| Venues | ≥5 in India, ≥2 in Sri Lanka |
| Teams | 20 total (15 confirmed, 5 via qualifiers) |
| Format | Group stage → Super 8 → Semis → Final |
| Final Venue | Ahmedabad or Colombo (if Pakistan qualifies) |
Why It Matters
This edition brings several notable elements:
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20 teams in action, with Italy making their World Cup debut
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A clear and engaging format
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Clear plan for Pakistan’s matches.
