The dust has settled on the thrilling T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, but cricket fans can already start looking forward to the next edition in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Same format: 2026 T20 World Cup
The 2026 tournament will be another 55-match extravaganza, following the same format as 2024. Teams will battle it out in four groups of five, before the top two from each group advance to the Super Eights stage. Semi-finals and a final will then determine the next T20 World Cup champion.
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Who’s already in?
Sri Lanka and India, as hosts, automatically qualify for the 2026 edition. Joining them are ten other teams, based on their performance in the 2024 tournament and ICC rankings.
Strong showings secure spots
Teams like Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the West Indies, and the surprising USA (who upset Pakistan) all secured their spots based on their performance in the 2024 Super Eights stage.
Despite missing the Super Eights in 2024, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland booked their places in 2026 thanks to their strong T20I rankings at the cut-off date.
Remaining Teams to be Decided
Regional qualifiers will determine the final eight teams for 2026. The pathway will be similar to the 2024 qualifiers, with Africa, Asia, and Europe offering two spots each, and the Americas and East-Asia Pacific regions offering one spot apiece.
Look at Regional Battles
- Africa: Expect fierce competition as Uganda, Namibia, and Zimbabwe battle for the two spots.
- Americas: With the USA already qualified, Canada looks like the favourite to grab the lone spot again.
- Asia: This will be the toughest qualifier, with Nepal and Oman (from the 2024 World Cup) joining other teams who must progress through sub-regional play. Look out for a resurgent UAE team challenging Oman.
- East-Asia Pacific: Papua New Guinea will be favourites, but Japan is closing the gap. Vanuatu and Fiji are also contenders.
- Europe: Scotland and the Netherlands are likely to be the frontrunners, but Italy and Jersey could cause upsets.
The 2026 T20 World Cup promises another exciting chapter in international cricket. With a mix of established teams and rising stars vying for glory, get ready for another action-packed tournament!
