The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule has officially captured the attention of cricket fans across the globe, as the sport’s shortest and most explosive format prepares for another blockbuster edition. The International Cricket Council has confirmed that the tournament will begin on 7 February 2026 and conclude with the grand final on 8 March 2026. This highly anticipated event will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marking one of the biggest multi-nation cricket spectacles in recent history.
A total of 20 international teams will compete in the tournament, playing 55 matches across iconic venues in both countries. With high-voltage rivalries, packed stadiums, and a format designed to maximize competition, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 promises a month of thrilling cricket action.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Key Tournament Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Start Date | 7 February 2026 |
| Final Date | 8 March 2026 |
| Total Teams | 20 |
| Total Matches | 55 |
| Host Nations | India & Sri Lanka |
| Match Format | T20 Internationals |
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule has been designed to ensure global broadcast reach while maintaining competitive balance across venues and time zones.
Tournament Format Explained
The tournament will follow a four-stage format, ensuring that only the most consistent and adaptable teams reach the knockout rounds.
Group Stage
- 20 teams divided into 4 groups
- Each group contains 5 teams
- Top two teams from each group qualify for the Super 8 stage
Super 8 Stage
- 8 qualified teams divided into two groups
- Top two teams from each Super 8 group advance to the semi-finals
Knockout Stage
- Two semi-finals
- One final
Notably, there will be no reserve days for group-stage and Super 8 matches. However, reserve days are allocated for both semi-finals and the final, ensuring weather disruptions do not affect the tournament’s climax.
Change in Team Line-Up: Scotland Replaces Bangladesh
One of the most significant developments ahead of the tournament is the absence of Bangladesh, who failed to qualify. As a result, Scotland has earned a spot in the competition and will feature in Group C, adding an exciting dynamic to the group stage.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Groups
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | India, USA, Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands |
| 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 |
Each group offers a blend of cricketing powerhouses and emerging nations, making the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule highly unpredictable.
One Day, Three Matches: Packed Matchdays Ahead
During the group stage, fans can expect three matches per day, ensuring non-stop action. This scheduling approach maximizes global viewership while offering teams sufficient recovery time between matches.
Final Venue: Conditional Hosting Explained
The venue for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final will depend on the teams that qualify:
- If Pakistan qualifies for the final, the match will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium
- If Pakistan does not qualify, the final will be hosted at Narendra Modi Stadium
The final is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time on 8 March 2026.
Participating Teams
The 20 teams competing in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 are:
India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Netherlands, Italy, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, UAE.
Host Venues for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
India Venues
- Delhi
- Ahmedabad
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
Sri Lanka Venues
- Colombo (R. Premadasa Stadium & Sinhalese Sports Club)
- Kandy
These venues have been selected to ensure balanced pitch conditions, modern infrastructure, and large spectator capacity.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Full Match Fixtures
Group Stage Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 7 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | SSC, Colombo |
| Feb 7 | West Indies vs Scotland | Kolkata |
| Feb 7 | India vs USA | Chennai |
| Feb 8 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Chennai |
| Feb 8 | England vs Nepal | Mumbai |
| Feb 8 | Sri Lanka vs Ireland | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 9 | Scotland vs Italy | Kolkata |
| Feb 9 | Zimbabwe vs Oman | SSC, Colombo |
| Feb 9 | South Africa vs Canada | Ahmedabad |
| Feb 10 | Netherlands vs Namibia | Delhi |
| Feb 10 | New Zealand vs UAE | Chennai |
| Feb 10 | Pakistan vs USA | SSC, Colombo |
| Feb 11 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | Ahmedabad |
| Feb 11 | Australia vs Ireland | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 11 | England vs West Indies | Mumbai |
| Feb 12 | Sri Lanka vs Oman | Kandy |
| Feb 12 | Nepal vs Italy | Mumbai |
| Feb 12 | India vs Namibia | Delhi |
| Feb 13 | Australia vs Zimbabwe | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 13 | Canada vs UAE | Delhi |
| Feb 13 | USA vs Netherlands | Chennai |
| Feb 14 | Ireland vs Oman | SSC, Colombo |
| Feb 14 | England vs Scotland | Kolkata |
| Feb 14 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Ahmedabad |
| Feb 15 | West Indies vs Nepal | Mumbai |
| Feb 15 | USA vs Namibia | Chennai |
| Feb 15 | India vs Pakistan | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 16 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Delhi |
| Feb 16 | England vs Italy | Kolkata |
| Feb 16 | Australia vs Sri Lanka | Kandy |
| Feb 17 | New Zealand vs Canada | Chennai |
| Feb 17 | Ireland vs Zimbabwe | Kandy |
| Feb 17 | Scotland vs Nepal | Mumbai |
| Feb 18 | South Africa vs UAE | Delhi |
| Feb 18 | Pakistan vs Namibia | SSC, Colombo |
| Feb 18 | India vs Netherlands | Ahmedabad |
| Feb 19 | West Indies vs Italy | Kolkata |
| Feb 19 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 19 | Afghanistan vs Canada | Chennai |
| Feb 20 | Australia vs Oman | Kandy |
Super 8 Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 21 | Y2 vs Y3 | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 22 | Y1 vs Y4 | Kandy |
| Feb 22 | X1 vs X4 | Ahmedabad |
| Feb 23 | X2 vs X3 | Mumbai |
| Feb 24 | Y1 vs Y3 | Kandy |
| Feb 25 | Y2 vs Y4 | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 26 | X3 vs X4 | Ahmedabad |
| Feb 26 | X1 vs X2 | Chennai |
| Feb 27 | Y1 vs Y2 | Premadasa, Colombo |
| Feb 28 | Y3 vs Y4 | Kandy |
| Mar 1 | X2 vs X4 | Delhi |
| Mar 1 | X1 vs X3 | Kolkata |
Knockout Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 4 | Semi-Final 1 | Ahmedabad |
| Mar 5 | Semi-Final 2 | Mumbai |
| Mar 8 | Final | Ahmedabad / Colombo |
Also read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule, Groups, Venues and Tournament Format
Conclusion:
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule delivers everything fans could hope for—elite teams, global venues, intense rivalries, and a format designed for drama. With India and Sri Lanka co-hosting, world-class stadiums will set the stage for cricket’s brightest stars to battle for T20 supremacy.
As February approaches, anticipation will only grow. Whether it’s the iconic India vs Pakistan clash, emerging teams challenging the giants, or a high-pressure final under lights, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable tournaments in modern cricket history.