From hosts to venues: Everything we know about the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka (Source: AFP)

Defending champions India are set to host the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, in partnership with Sri Lanka. In 2024, India claimed their second ICC title in the format, in a closely fought final against South Africa at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, West Indies. 

This match holds special significance in the world of cricket, not only for producing one of the greatest contests of all time but also for witnessing India's legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja for the very last time in the shortest format of the game. 

As the excitement builds for the T20 World Cup 2026, below is a comprehensive article on all things about the upcoming ICC event, set to take place next year.

T20 World Cup 2026 Hosts

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Sri Lanka Cricket, marking a major cricketing event for the South Asian region.

That being said, while the ICC is yet to announce the final list of venues, major Indian stadiums such as Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai are expected to host key matches. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and Pallekele International Stadium could stage other fixtures.

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T20 World Cup 2026: Dates and Matches

With the anticipation building for the next ICC event, let’s take a look at when the T20 World Cup 2026 will be. 

The men’s T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February and March. While the full schedule is yet to be confirmed by ICC and hosting nations, the opening match is set to be played on February 7, while the final will be staged on March 8, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. 

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 format

The much-awaited 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup will be played in the same format as the 2024 event, co-hosted by Cricket West Indies and USA Cricket from 1 to 29 June 2024. The 20 teams are placed into 4 different groups of five sides each, ahead of the Super Eights phase that will include the top two finishers from each group.

Further, the Super Eights will have two groups of four sides, and the two top-tier teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stage, including semi-finals. 

T20 World Cup 2026 qualified teams

20 teams across the globe will participate in the Men’s T20 World Championship in 2026, with Nepal, Oman, and the UAE filling up the final three spots via the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. Notably, the European side Italy, will make their inaugural appearance at the tournament after they progressed via the European Qualifier alongside the Netherlands.

Here’s a list of finalized countries, which will take part in the ICC event: 

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ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Latest News

India captain opines on World Cup preparations 

After leading India to their 9th Asia Cup title earlier this year, captain Suryakumar Yadav, in an interview ahead of the five-match T20I series against Australia, stated the importance of PowerPlay overs in the shortest format of the game. Set to lead India in the upcoming home T20 World Cup, Suryakumar further highlighted the impact of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. 

“Our preparation (for T20 World Cup 2026) obviously started with the Asia Cup. Because since then, we started playing T20s. And it will continue like this,” Surya said.

He explained that India’s preparation for the T20 World Cup had already begun. 

“We are not looking like we have come to a foreign country to play. So we will not see this series in a different way. We will look at it in the same way. It’s a build-up to the World Cup,” he added.

As the countdown begins, with all eyes are on February 7, 2026, when the defending champions walk out in blue once again. However, this time with a new leader, familiar passion, and home advantage. Nonetheless, India’s pursuit of back-to-back T20 titles could redefine cricketing history.

David Warner calls for India vs Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026 finals 

Australian cricket legend, David Warner, during the 1st T20I played between India and Australia at the Manuka Oval, sparked excitement around the massive ICC event with his bold prediction. With only a few months left for the tournament, Warner predicted the return of the ICC World Cup 2023 final, but in the T20 edition. 

David Warner said on-air during the first India vs. Australia T20I in Canberra, “I think we will get India vs Australia in the final again at the T20 World Cup 2026.”

Stay tuned for more T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including full schedule, ball-by-ball commentary, match results, points table, tickets, and much more. 

T20 World cup 2026: FAQs

Q.1. Who is hosting the T20 2026 World Cup? 

Ans. India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be played in 2026. 

Q.2. Is Pakistan playing the T20 World Cup in 2026? 

Ans. Yes, despite the geopolitical conflicts with host nations, India, Pakistan will play the T20 World Cup in 2026. However, they will play all their matches in Sri Lanka. 

Q.3. What is the date of the World Cup 2026? 

Ans. No dates have been confirmed by the respective board, ICC, or the host nations regarding the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 

Q.4. Where is the ICC 2026 venue? 

Ans. The 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. 

Q.5. Will India play the T20 World Cup in 2026?  

Ans. Yes, the defending champions, India, will play the T20 World Cup in 2026. They are co-hosting the tournament with Sri Lanka. 

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