T20 World Cup 2026: Cricket’s shortest and most electrifying format is set to take center stage as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka jointly hosting the global tournament. This will be the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, and expectations are high for a month-long festival of high-intensity cricket, blockbuster rivalries and emerging talent from across the world.
The tournament will feature a total of 54 matches and will run until March 8, when the final is scheduled to be played. With packed stadiums, massive television audiences and the involvement of 20 international teams, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the most competitive T20 World Cups yet.
Teams and Groups in T20 World Cup 2026
As was the case in the previous edition, the ICC has retained the 20-team format, giving associate nations a greater platform to compete against traditional powerhouses. However, the final lineup saw a significant late change.
Bangladesh were expelled from the tournament after a prolonged standoff with the ICC over their refusal to travel to India, citing security concerns. Following their exit, Scotland were drafted in as replacements, ensuring the tournament maintained its 20-team structure.
The teams have been divided into four groups of five, with each side playing the others in their group during the opening round.
Group A
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India
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Pakistan
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Netherlands
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Namibia
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USA
Group B
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Australia
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Sri Lanka
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Ireland
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Oman
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Zimbabwe
Group C
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England
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West Indies
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Nepal
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Italy
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Scotland
Group D
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New Zealand
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South Africa
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Afghanistan
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Canada
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United Arab Emirates (UAE)
This group distribution ensures a mix of elite teams and emerging nations, setting the stage for potential upsets and closely fought encounters right from the start.
Tournament Format Explained
The T20 World Cup 2026 will follow a three-stage format: the group stage, the Super 8 stage, and the knockout rounds.
In the group stage, each team will play four matches within its group. The top two teams from each group—a total of eight teams—will advance to the Super 8 stage.
During the Super 8, the qualified teams will be divided into two groups of four teams each. These teams will again play round-robin matches within their respective Super 8 groups. Performance at this stage is crucial, as only the top two teams from each Super 8 group will move on to the semifinals.
The tournament then enters its knockout phase, consisting of two semifinals followed by the grand final. From this stage onward, every match becomes a do-or-die contest, often producing the most memorable moments of the World Cup.
Full Schedule Overview
The ICC has laid out a clear timeline for the competition:
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Group Stage: February 7 – February 20
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Super 8 Stage: February 21 – March 1
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Semifinals: March 4 and March 5
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Final: March 8
Matches will be hosted across venues in India and Sri Lanka, allowing fans in the subcontinent and beyond to enjoy prime-time fixtures.
What to Expect
With traditional rivals placed together in the group stage and several associate nations eager to make their mark, the T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to deliver thrilling contests from day one. India and Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on home conditions, while defending champions and former winners such as England, Australia, and West Indies aim to assert their dominance once again.
As the countdown begins, cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for a spectacular showcase of speed, skill and drama that only T20 cricket can offer.
