The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Defending champions India will kick off the tournament against the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Featuring 20 teams in a 55-match event, the format includes a group stage, Super 8s, semi-finals, and final. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host the final, unless Pakistan qualifies, in which case it shifts to Colombo.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Groups
The 20 qualified teams are divided into four groups of five. While Bangladesh earned a direct qualification and were placed in Group C originally, they were removed from the tournament after they refused to travel to India. Scotland came in as a replacement team in Group C.
- Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
- Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
- Group C: England, West Indies, Scotland, Nepal, Italy
- Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
The top two teams from each group advance to the Super 8s.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Venues
The tournament will be played across eight stadiums. In India, the tournament will be held across five venues, while three stadiums will be available in Sri Lanka. All Pakistan matches will be in Sri Lanka due to neutral venue agreements.
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Capacity: 132,000): The world’s largest cricket stadium, renowned for its modern facilities and electric atmosphere. It hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup final and is scheduled for the 2026 T20 final.
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (Capacity: 33,000): Iconic seaside venue famous for high-scoring games and India’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Known for passionate crowds and batting-friendly pitches.
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Capacity: 66,000): Historic Eden Gardens will host six matches and a possible semifinal. With a rich legacy, including multiple World Cup finals, Eden Gardens offers a deafening roar from fans and spin-friendly conditions.
- MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Capacity: 38,000): Traditional ground with excellent drainage and spin-assisting tracks. Home to fervent Tamil Nadu supporters and memorable comebacks.
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (Capacity: 41,000): Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium will host six matches. The home to Delhi Capitals and a batter’s paradise, this venue will be one where scoring 300 could be possible.
- R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (Capacity: 35,000): Floodlit pioneer in Sri Lanka, known for high scores and vibrant night games. Hosted multiple Asia Cup finals and key T20 clashes.
- Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo (Capacity: 10,000): Picturesque, intimate ground with a colonial charm. Favors seamers early and produces competitive low-scoring thrillers.
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy (Capacity: 25,000): Scenic hill-surrounded venue with lively pitches and frequent rain interruptions. Delivers exciting T20 contests amid stunning backdrops.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule
Big Matches to Watch Out For
- India vs Pakistan (February 15, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo): The ultimate rivalry returns in a neutral venue blockbuster, promising high tension and massive global viewership.
- Australia vs Sri Lanka (February 16, Pallekele): Clash of former champions in a scenic setting, with Australia’s dominance tested by home passion.
- England vs West Indies: Two-time winners each, this Caribbean vs England showdown in Group C revives memories of epic finals.
- South Africa vs Afghanistan: Explosive Group D encounter featuring Proteas’ firepower against Afghanistan’s spin wizardry and upset potential.
T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-up Fixtures
| Date | Teams | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2 | Afghanistan vs Scotland | Bengaluru | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 2 | India A vs USA | Navi Mumbai | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 2 | Canada vs Italy | Chennai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 3 | Sri Lanka A vs Oman | Colombo | 1:00 PM |
| Feb 3 | Netherlands vs Zimbabwe | Colombo | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 3 | Nepal vs UAE | Chennai | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | Namibia vs Scotland | Bengaluru | 1:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | Afghanistan vs West Indies | Bengaluru | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | Ireland vs Pakistan | Colombo | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | India vs South Africa | Navi Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 5 | Oman vs Zimbabwe | Colombo | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 5 | Canada vs Nepal | Chennai | 1:00 PM |
| Feb 5 | Australia vs Netherlands | Colombo | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 5 | New Zealand vs USA | Navi Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 6 | Italy vs UAE | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 6 | India A vs Namibia | Bengaluru | 5:00 PM |
