The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to bring cricket fever back to South Asia. Scheduled from February 6 to March 8, 2026, this edition will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marking a landmark collaboration between two cricket-loving nations.

After the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, the upcoming ICC T20 tournament promises even greater excitement, fresh talent, and world-class cricketing action.

T20 World Cup 2026: Check the Complete Schedule

According to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, the tournament will begin on February 6, 2026, and conclude with the final on March 8, 2026.

Get the full schedule of the T20 World Cup 2026, starting from February 7, 2026, and concluding with the final on March 8, 2026, including dates, matches, groups, times, and venues for all 55 matches.

Tournament Format and Structure

The 2026 T20 World Cup will follow the same format as the 2024 edition, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups of five. Each team plays every other team in its group once, with the top two sides advancing to the Super Eight stage. The Super Eight round will consist of two groups of four, followed by the semifinals and the final.

Hosts and Venue Arrangements

India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the tournament. As per the agreement between the BCCI and PCB, Pakistan will play all its group and Super Eight matches in Sri Lanka. If Pakistan qualifies for the final, the match will also be held in Sri Lanka instead of India.

Teams Qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup

A total of 20 teams have secured their place in the tournament through automatic qualification, rankings, and global qualifiers. Hosts India and Sri Lanka are joined by the top seven teams from the 2024 T20 World Cup, along with teams qualified via ICC rankings and regional pathways.

Debut and Special Highlights

Italy will make history with its first-ever appearance at a T20 World Cup, emerging through the European qualification pathway—a significant moment for the sport’s growth across new regions.

Defending Champions

India enters the 2026 edition as the defending champion, following their memorable victory over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final held in Barbados.