The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule is set to be a landmark global cricket event, featuring 20 international teams competing for the most prestigious title in T20 cricket. The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and will take place between February and March 2026.
Tournament Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Format | T20 International |
| Teams | 20 |
| Hosts | India & Sri Lanka |
| Stages | Group Stage, Super Eight, Semi-finals, Final |
| Duration | February – March 2026 |
The tournament follows a structured multi-stage format to ensure competitive balance and maximum global participation.
T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
The updated fixtures list for the Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 📋
— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2026
More details ➡️ https://t.co/M61nOzx2fF pic.twitter.com/deynITDuV3
Major Update: Bangladesh Exit, Scotland Steps In
Ahead of the tournament, Bangladesh withdrew from the competition due to logistical and operational concerns. To maintain the 20-team structure, Scotland was included as a replacement.
This change did not affect the match schedule, venues, or tournament format, allowing the World Cup to proceed smoothly as planned.
T20 World Cup 2026 Groups
The teams are divided into four groups, with five teams in each group.
Group Stage Teams
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | India, Pakistan, United States, Netherlands, Namibia |
| Group B | Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman |
| Group C | England, West Indies, Scotland, Italy, Nepal |
| Group D | South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, United Arab Emirates |
Each team will play four group-stage matches, facing every other team in its group once.
Venues for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Matches will be hosted at top cricket stadiums across both host nations.
Indian Venues
| City | Stadium |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Narendra Modi Stadium |
| Kolkata | Eden Gardens |
| Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium |
| Chennai | MA Chidambaram Stadium |
| Delhi | Arun Jaitley Stadium |
Sri Lankan Venues
| City | Stadium |
|---|---|
| Colombo | R. Premadasa Stadium |
| Colombo | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground |
| Kandy | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium |
The final match of the tournament is scheduled to be played at a major Indian venue.
Tournament Format Explained
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 4 groups, 5 teams each, round-robin format |
| Super Eight | Top 2 teams from each group qualify |
| Semi-finals | Top 4 teams compete |
| Final | Winners of semi-finals play for the title |
This format rewards consistency while keeping knockout excitement intact.
Key Highlights to Watch
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | Over 50 |
| Big Rivalries | India vs Pakistan, England vs West Indies |
| Emerging Teams | USA, Nepal, Italy, Canada |
| Conditions | Spin-friendly pitches, high-scoring grounds |
Fans can expect thrilling contests, close finishes, and standout individual performances throughout the tournament.
What Makes T20 World Cup 2026 Special
The 2026 edition stands out due to:
- Expanded 20-team format
- Mix of established giants and associate nations
- Matches across two cricket-loving countries
- Balanced competition structure
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to deliver entertainment, intensity, and global cricketing drama from start to finish.