The T20 World Cup 2026 marks the 10th edition of the tournament in men’s T20 cricket. And this time, the excitement is even higher as India and Sri Lanka co-host the global event.
This edition continues the ICC’s mission to expand the reach of cricket, bringing together 20 teams, a modernized tournament format, and 55 record-breaking number of matches.
Over the years, the T20 WC has produced unforgettable rivalries, iconic moments, and legendary performances, and the 2026 tournament aims to deliver even more drama.
From powerhouse teams like India, England, Australia, and Pakistan to rising sides like the USA, Namibia, and Scotland, the competition promises nail-biting moments at every step.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the tournament, including the complete schedule, groups, squads, ticket booking process, points table, and a lot more.
T20 World Cup 2026: Overview
The T20 WC 2026 marks a major milestone as the event returns to the subcontinent. With 55 games scheduled across two host country, the tournament offers a mix of high-pressure games, emerging sides, blockbuster rivalries, and a world-class cricketing environment.
Below is a quick-glance overview of the entire tournament:
| Category | Details |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Edition | 10th |
| Official Organizer | ICC |
| Host Country / Countries | India & Sri Lanka |
| Date | 7 February – 8 March 2026 |
| Total Teams | 20 |
| Total Games | 55 |
| Format | Group Stage → Super 8 → Semi-Finals → T20 World Cup 2026 Final |
| Overs Per Match | 20 per side |
| Venues | India: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi;Sri Lanka: Colombo, Kandy |
| Opening Match | Netherlands vs West Indies (Colombo – SSC) |
| Final Match | 8 March 2026 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
T20 World Cup 2026 Format Explained
The T20 World Cup 2026 schedule follows an expanded and more balanced competition structure approved by the ICC. It ensures a fair pathway for all 20 participating sides.
The format has been designed to provide more games, more opportunities for upset victories, and a clearer qualification system compared to previous editions.
1. Group Stage (20 Teams – 4 Groups)
The first phase consists of 20 sides divided into 4 Groups (A, B, C, D), with each of those containing 5 teams. Every team plays four matches, one against each opponent in its Group. The top two sides from each Group advance to the Super Eight stage.
2. Super Eight Round (8 Teams – 2 Groups)
The qualified 8 sides move into two groups:
- Super Eight Group 1 → 4 Teams
- Super Eight Group 2 → 4 Teams
Each team plays three games in this round.
The top two from each Super Eight group qualify for the Semi-finals.
3. Semi-Finals
Two Semi-finals will be played between:
- Winner of Group 1 (Super Eight) vs Runner-up of Group 2
- Winner of Group 2 (Super Eight) vs Runner-up of Group 1
Reserve days may apply depending on the Schedule and weather conditions.
4. Final
The winners of both semi-finals meet in the final, set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, which is currently the world’s largest cricket stadium.
T20 World Cup 2026 Teams List
The ICC has upgraded the structure for T20 World Cup 2026 to create a more balanced and globally inclusive tournament. The event now features 20 sides instead of 16.
Below is the complete list, along with the qualification path. This is crucial because the ICC introduced regional Qualifier tournaments that gave emerging cricket nations the chance to shine. Here are all the qualified 20 sides that will participate in the tournament:
| Qualification Path | Team |
| Host | India, Sri Lanka |
| Top 7 (2024) | Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, West India, United States |
| ICC T20I Rankings | New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland |
| Americas Qualifier | Canada |
| Europe Qualifier | Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe |
| Asia/EAP Qualifier | Nepal, Oman, UAE |
The expanded design provides a fairer chance for Associate Nations, ensures more top level fixtures, and delivers a longer tournament window for fans worldwide.
T20 World Cup 2026 Groups (A-D)
Here’s the breakdown of each group:
| Group A | India, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan, USA |
| Group B | Australia, Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe |
| Group C | Bangladesh, England, Italy, Nepal, West Indies |
| Group D | Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE |
Each of these sides brings unique strengths to the tournament. Nations like India, England, and Australia remain top contenders due to strong recent performances. Emerging nations like the USA and Nepal have shown significant improvement and could surprise stronger sides.
T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Complete Fixtures
The schedule of the upcoming edition of T20 WC is structured to deliver a bigger, better, and more intense cricketing spectacle than ever before.
The time table of T20 World Cup 2026 includes 55 games. It will start with the first match between Pakistan and Netherlands on 7th February and ending with the finale on 8th March.
India, Pakistan, Australia, England, and other top sides will play their fixtures during prime-time slots. Here is the complete schedule for Super 8 and Knockout stage:
Super 8 Stage Time Table:
Below are the complete match list for Super 8 stage:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Feb 7 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | Colombo | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 7 | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 7 | India vs USA | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 8 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 8 | England vs Nepal | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 8 | Sri Lanka vs Ireland | Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 9 | Bangladesh vs Italy | Kolkata | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 9 | Zimbabwe vs Oman | Colombo | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 9 | South Africa vs Canada | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 10 | Netherlands vs Namibia | Ahmedabad | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 10 | New Zealand vs UAE | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 10 | Pakistan vs UAE | Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 11 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | Ahmedabad | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 11 | Australia vs Ireland | Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 11 | England vs West Indies | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 12 | Sri Lanka vs Oman | Kandy | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 12 | Nepal vs Italy | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 12 | India vs Namibia | Delhi | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 13 | Australia vs Zimbabwe | Colombo | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 13 | Canada vs Namibia | Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 13 | USA vs Netherlands | Chennai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 14 | Ireland vs Oman | Colombo | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 14 | England vs Bangladesh | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 14 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 15 | West Indies vs Nepal | Mumbai | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 15 | USA vs Namibia | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 15 | India vs Pakistan | Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 16 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Delhi | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 16 | England vs Italy | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 16 | Australia vs Sri Lanka | Kandy | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 17 | New Zealand vs Canada | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 17 | Ireland vs Zimbabwe | Kandy | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 18 | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Mumbai | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 18 | South Africa vs UAE | Delhi | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 18 | Pakistan vs Namibia | Colombo | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 18 | India vs Netherlands | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 19 | Italy vs West Indies | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 19 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 20 | Afghanistan vs Canada | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 20 | Australia vs Oman | Kandy | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 22 | TBD vs TBD | Kandy | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 23 | TBD vs TBD | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 24 | TBD vs TBD | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 25 | TBD vs TBD | Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 26 | TBD vs TBD | Ahmedabad | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 27 | TBD vs TBD | Chennai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 28 | TBD vs TBD | Colombo | 3:00 PM |
| Mar 1 | TBD vs TBD | Kolkata | 7:00 PM |
Knockout Stage Time Table:
Once the schedule of group stage games finishes, the top sides will move to the knockout rounds. Let’s have a look at the complete match list for the knockout stage:
| Mar 4 | Semi Final 1 | Kolkata/Colombo | Time TBC |
| Mar 5 | Semi Final 2 | Mumbai | Time TBC |
| Mar 8 | Final | Ahmedabad/Colombo | Time TBC |
T20 World Cup 2026 Venues (India + Sri Lanka)
The tournament’s schedule will be played across iconic cricket grounds, offering a mix of historic grounds and high-capacity stadiums:
| City | Stadium | Capacity | Country |
| Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium | 33,100 | India |
| Kolkata | Eden Gardens | 68,000 | India |
| Delhi | Arun Jaitley Stadium | 55,000 | India |
| Chennai | MA Chidambaram Stadium | 38,200 | India |
| Bangalore | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 33,800 | India |
| Ahmedabad | Narendra Modi Stadium | 1,32,000 | India |
| Colombo | Sinhalese Sports Club | 10,000 | Sri Lanka |
| Colombo | R. Premadasa Stadium | 35,000 | Sri Lanka |
| Kandy | Pallekele International Stadium | 35,000 | Sri Lanka |
These stadiums were chosen based on infrastructure, seating capacity, pitch behavior, and their long-standing reputation for hosting major ICC tournaments.
T20 World Cup 2026 Points Table – Live Standings
The points table is one of the most important elements of any tournament. It determines which sides move into the Super Eight and later qualify for the semi-finals. Fans will constantly track the live score and standings throughout the tournament.
Let’s check the points table and see how your country is performing right now:
Group A:
| Teams | M | W | L | T | N/R | PTS | Net RR |
| India | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Namibia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Netherlands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Pakistan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Group B:
| Teams | M | W | L | T | N/R | PTS | Net RR |
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Ireland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Oman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Sri Lanka | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Zimbabwe | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Group C:
| Teams | M | W | L | T | N/R | PTS | Net RR |
| Bangladesh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| England | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Nepal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| West Indies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Group D:
| Teams | M | W | L | T | N/R | PTS | Net RR |
| South Africa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Sri Lanka | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Bangladesh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Netherlands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Nepal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
T20 World Cup 2026 Squads (All 20 Teams)
Official squads will be released closer to the tournament. However, all sides are expected to submit their final 15-player list at least three weeks before the opening match.
| Teams | Complete Squad |
| India | Not yet announced |
| Sri Lanka | Not yet announced |
| Australia | Not yet announced |
| England | Not yet announced |
| South Africa | Not yet announced |
| New Zealand | Not yet announced |
| Pakistan | Not yet announced |
| Afghanistan | Not yet announced |
| Bangladesh | Not yet announced |
| West Indies | Not yet announced |
| Ireland | Not yet announced |
| Netherlands | Not yet announced |
| Zimbabwe | Not yet announced |
| Nepal | Not yet announced |
| Canada | Not yet announced |
| UAE | Not yet announced |
| Oman | Not yet announced |
| Namibia | Not yet announced |
| United States of America | Not yet announced |
| Italy | Not yet announced |
Note: The squad will be updated after each cricket board announces its team.
How to Book T20 World Cup Tickets?
Booking tickets for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is easy. But due to massive demand, especially for high-profile games like India vs Pakistan, fans are advised to plan early.
Below is a complete step-by-step guide covering online booking, offline options, and pricings.
1. How to Book T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets Online
The easiest and most recommended way to buy your seat is through official online platforms approved by the ICC.
Steps to book online:
- Visit the official ICC ticketing website or an authorized partner platform.
- Register using your email ID and mobile number.
- Select the match, venue, and preferred seating category.
- Enter required identity details (as per ICC guidelines).
- Complete payment using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
- Receive e-ticket confirmation via email and SMS.
E-tickets may need to be exchanged for physical ones at stadium counters, depending on venue rules.
2. Official Ticketing Partners (India & Sri Lanka)
It will only be sold through authorized platforms to prevent fraud.
India:
- ICC Official Ticket Portal (tickets.cricketworldcup.com)
- BookMyShow
- Paytm Insider
Sri Lanka:
- Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official partners
- Stadium box offices
- Authorized retail counters in major cities
Note: Always avoid third-party resellers or social media sellers, as counterfeit tickets are common during ICC events.
3. T20 World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices (Expected Range)
The ICC has focused on affordability to ensure wider fan access.
Price in India:
- Group stage matches: Rs. 100 – Rs. 500
- Premium matches (India games): Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 3,000
- Semi-finals & Final: Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 10,000+
Price in Sri Lanka:
- Entry-level: LKR 1,000 – LKR 2,500
- Premium seating & knockouts: LKR 5,000+
Prices vary based on venue, seating category, and match importance.
4. Offline Ticket Booking Options
For fans without online access, offline ticket sales will also be available.
- Stadium box offices (a few days before match day)
- Authorized retail outlets in host cities
- Cricket board counters (BCCI/SLC approved)
Offline tickets are subject to availability and usually sell out quickly for popular fixtures.
5. Stadium Entry Rules & Guidelines
To ensure smooth entry and safety, fans must follow ICC and venue rules.
Mandatory Items:
- Valid match ticket (digital or physical)
- Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
Prohibited Items:
- Outside food and beverages
- Power banks, laptops, sharp objects
- Fireworks, banners with political content
- Professional cameras without permission
Security checks will be strict, so arrive early to avoid last-minute delays.
Live Streaming & TV Broadcast
Fans worldwide can enjoy the T20 World Cup 2026 through multiple live telecast platforms and TV channels. Here are the top countries and their options:
| Country | TV Channels & Live Streaming |
| India | Star Sports, JioHotstar |
| USA | Willow TV, ESPN+ |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket, NOW TV |
| Australia | Fox Sports, Kayo Sports |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| Sri Lanka | SLRC, Dialog ViU |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Tamasha App |
| Caribbean | ESPN Caribbean |
In addition, radio commentary will also be available in a few countries for live updates.
T20 World Cup 2026 Analysis
With matches spread across India and Sri Lanka, sides will need more than star players to succeed in the T20 World Cup 2026. Smart team selection, spin depth, and calm decision-making under pressure will likely decide who lifts the trophy.
Tournament Favorites
A few sides clearly stand out before the first ball is bowled:
1. India: Home advantage, spin-friendly pitches, and strong bench strength make India early favorites. Familiar conditions could allow them to dominate the middle overs.
2. England: One of the most balanced T20 sides, England combines power batting with flexible bowling options that work across different surfaces.
3. Australia: Known for stepping up in ICC tournaments, Australia’s experience and big-match mindset keep them firmly in contention.
4. New Zealand: Consistency in ICC events, and a disciplined approach make NZ a serious threat. Their ability to adapt quickly to any situations could prove decisive in any matches.
5. West Indies: Their explosive batting lineup can turn games around in a few overs, especially at high-scoring grounds like Mumbai and Kolkata.
Dark Horse Teams
T20 World Cups often deliver unexpected results, and 2026 will be no different:
- Afghanistan: Their world-class spin attack could dominate on slow tracks in India and Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka: Playing at home brings confidence. If their batting clicks, they could challenge top sides in tight matches.
- Nepal & USA: Both teams have shown rapid improvement and may pull off surprise wins during the group stage schedules.
They may not start as favorites, but they are capable enough to win the tournament.
T20 World Cup History – Past Winners & Records
The history of the men’s T20 World Cup is filled with unforgettable moments, thrilling finals, and iconic performances. Since its inception in 2007, the ICC has organized nine editions till 2024.
Past T20 World Cup Winners:
Ever since the tournament was introduced these teams have lifted the T20 World Cup trophy, and showcased their dominance on the global stage:
| Year | Winner | Winning Captain |
| 2007 | India | Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
| 2009 | Pakistan | Younis Khan |
| 2010 | England | Paul Collingwood |
| 2012 | West Indies | Daren Sammy |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | Lasith Malinga |
| 2016 | West Indies | Daren Sammy |
| 2021 | Australia | Aaron Finch |
| 2022 | England | Jos Buttler |
| 2024 | India | Rohit Sharma |
Major T20 World Cup Records
The below table highlight some of the most incredible performances in the history of T20 WC, achieved by teams and players on the biggest stage:
| Category | Record Holders | Details |
| Highest Team Total | Sri Lanka | 260/6 vs Kenya (2007) |
| Lowest Team Total | Netherlands | 39 vs Sri Lanka (2014) |
| Most Runs | Virat Kohli | 1141 Runs |
| Most Wickets | Shakib Al Hasan | 47 Wickets |
| Best Bowling Figures | Ajantha Mendis | 6/8 vs Zimbabwe (2012) |
| Fastest Fifty | Yuvraj Singh | 12 Balls |
| Fastest Hundred | Chris Gayle | 47 Balls |
| Most Sixes in an Innings | Chris Gayle | 11 Sixes |
And, these records set the benchmark for teams entering the T20 World Cup 2026. Fans expect new milestones to be broken, especially on batting-friendly pitches.
CricTrends T20 World Cup 2026 Prediction: Who Will Win?
Predicting the winner of a T20 World Cup is never easy because matches can change quickly. Teams that adjust well to Indian and Sri Lankan pitches, play spin confidently, and stay calm under pressure usually perform better.
So, looking at current form and conditions, “India” appear as slight favorites due to home advantage and an all-round balanced team. They’re more likely to win the T20 World Cup 2026.
However T20 cricket is unpredictable. Teams like England, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand cannot be ruled out, as they often perform well in ICC events.
Overall, the T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the grandest cricket tournaments ever organized by the ICC. With two iconic host countries, world-class venues, a star-studded line-ups, and a schedule packed with big fixtures, fans have a month-long cricket festival ahead.
As the countdown continues, fans can prepare for high-octane matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments leading up to the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad.
If you want quick access to every update, like schedule and points table, make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back for all the latest info as the tournament gets closer.
T20 World Cup 2026 – FAQs
Q1. When is the T20 World Cup 2026?
A. The opening game is scheduled to kick off on 7 February 2025, while the grand final will take place on 8 March 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Q2. Who is hosting the tournament?
A. The tournament is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Matches will be played across major cricketing venues such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Colombo, and Kandy.
Q3. How many teams are participating in the T20 WC 2026?
A. A total of 20 sides will compete in this edition. This includes the hosts, top-ranked sides, and several sides that qualified through regional ICC Qualifiers.
Q4. How to buy 2026 T20 World Cup tickets?
A. It can be booked online through the official ICC ticketing website and designated partners in India and Sri Lanka. Fans must register on the official portal (tickets.cricketworldcup.com), choose their preferred match, verify identity, and complete payment.
Q5. Where can I watch T20 World Cup 2026 live?
A. Live streaming and TV coverage will be available globally. In India, matches will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar. Other countries will have coverage through platforms like Sky Sports, Willow TV, Fox Sports, and Kayo Sports.
Q6. What is the tournament format?
A. The event follows a three-stage format: Group Stage, Super 8, Knockouts.
Q7. Which team has the most T20 WC titles?
A. England and West Indies currently hold the record for the most ICC T20 World Cup titles, with two championships each.
Q8. When is India vs. Pakistan match in T20 WC 2026?
A. The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for 15 February 2026. The match will be played in Colombo at 7:00 PM IST.
Q9. How many matches will India play?
A. India is scheduled to play four group-stage matches. If they qualify, they will play additional matches in the Super 8, semi-final, and possibly the final.
Q10. What is the prize money for T20 World Cup 2026?
A. The ICC is expected to announce the official prize money closer to the tournament. However, based on recent editions, the prize pool is likely to be around $3 million.
