ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule, Venues, Fixtures & Group Stages
T20 World Cup 2026 will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka featuring 20 international teams
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is one of the most anticipated global sporting events in cricket. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament runs from 7 February to 8 March 2026, featuring 20 international teams competing across 55 thrilling matches. This edition marks the return of top-tier T20 cricket action in the subcontinent after the 2024 event and promises high-octane cricket, iconic matchups, and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.
Tournament Format & Overview
The T20 World Cup 2026 is structured in three main phases:
1. Group Stage (7–20 February 2026)
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20 teams divided into 4 groups of 5 teams each.
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Each team plays 4 matches within its group.
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The top 2 teams from each group qualify for the Super 8 stage.
2. Super 8 Stage (21 February–1 March 2026)
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The 8 advancing teams are split into 2 groups of 4.
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Teams compete in a round-robin format, playing 3 matches each.
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The top 2 teams from each Super 8 group move to the semifinals.
3. Knockouts (4–8 March 2026)
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2 Semi-Finals leading to the Grand Final on 8 March.
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The final is scheduled at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, though matches involving Pakistan in later stages may be hosted in Colombo.
Host Venues (India & Sri Lanka)
The action will unfold across 8 iconic cricket stadiums:
India (5 Stadiums)
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Narendra Modi Stadium – Ahmedabad (Final venue)
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Wankhede Stadium – Mumbai
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Eden Gardens – Kolkata
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MA Chidambaram Stadium – Chennai
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Arun Jaitley Stadium – New Delhi
Sri Lanka (3 Stadiums)
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R. Premadasa Stadium – Colombo
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Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) – Colombo
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Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Kandy
These venues are selected for their global reputation, fan capacity, and history of hosting elite cricket events.
Group Stage Breakdown
Here’s how the teams are distributed:
Group A
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India
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Pakistan
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USA
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Netherlands
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Namibia
Group B
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Australia
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Sri Lanka
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Zimbabwe
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Ireland
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Oman
Group C
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England
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West Indies
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Bangladesh
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Italy
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Nepal
Group D
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South Africa
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New Zealand
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Afghanistan
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Canada
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UAE
Each team battles for the top two spots in their group to advance to the Super 8s.
Selected Group Stage Fixtures (Initial Days)
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 07 Feb 2026 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | SSC, Colombo |
| West Indies vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens | |
| India vs USA | Wankhede, Mumbai | |
| 08 Feb 2026 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Chennai |
| England vs Nepal | Mumbai | |
| Sri Lanka vs Ireland | Premadasa, Colombo | |
| 09 Feb 2026 | Bangladesh vs Italy | Kolkata |
| Zimbabwe vs Oman | SSC, Colombo | |
| South Africa vs Canada | Ahmedabad | |
| 10 Feb 2026 | Netherlands vs Namibia | New Delhi |
| New Zealand vs UAE | Chennai | |
| Pakistan vs USA | SSC, Colombo |
Note: Exact match timings and venue assignments are confirmed by official ICC releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the T20 World Cup 2026?
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 runs from 7 February to 8 March 2026.
How many teams are competing?
A total of 20 international teams are participating in the tournament.
Which teams are in Group A?
Group A includes India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia.
Where will the final be played?
The final is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
What is the format of the tournament?
The format includes a Group Stage, Super 8 Stage, Semi-Finals, and Final.
