ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – Complete Guide, Schedule, Teams, Venues, Live Streaming & Records

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting cricket tournaments in history. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, this mega event will take place from February to March 2026 and will feature 20 international teams, making it the largest ICC T20 World Cup ever.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 — from teams, groups, and format to schedule, venues, live streaming, records, prize money, and tickets.

Tournament Overview – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is the 10th edition of the tournament and promises high-intensity action, iconic rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With matches spread across top stadiums in India and Sri Lanka, fans around the world can expect a true cricketing spectacle.

Key Details:

• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
• Edition: 10th
• Teams: 20
• Total Matches: 55
• Hosts: India & Sri Lanka
• Format: Group Stage → Super 8 → Semi-Finals → Final

Qualified Teams for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Automatic Qualifiers

India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Netherlands.

Regional Qualifiers

• Americas: Canada
• Europe: Italy
• Africa: Namibia, Zimbabwe
• Asia/East Asia-Pacific: Nepal, Oman, United Arab Emirates

These teams complete the 20-team lineup for the tournament.

Groups Structure – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Group A

India, Pakistan, USA, Namibia, Netherlands

Group B

Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman

Group C

England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy

Group D

South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

Each group will play round-robin matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 stage.

Tournament Format Explained

Stage 1 – Group Stage

• 4 groups with 5 teams each
• Total of 40 matches
• Top 2 teams from each group qualify for Super 8

Stage 2 – Super 8

• 8 teams divided into 2 groups
• Top 2 teams from each Super 8 group qualify for Semi-Finals

Stage 3 – Semi-Finals

2 knockout matches

Stage 4 – Final

The winners of the semi-finals compete for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule & Key Fixtures

The tournament will begin in February 2026, with matches played across both host nations.

Key Highlights:

• Opening Match: Pakistan vs Netherlands (Colombo)
• Biggest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan (Colombo)
• Total Matches: 55
• Final Match: Early March 2026

A detailed match-by-match schedule will include group games, Super 8 matches, semi-finals, and the final.

Venues for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Stadiums in India

• Narendra Modi Stadium – Ahmedabad
• Wankhede Stadium – Mumbai
• Eden Gardens – Kolkata
• MA Chidambaram Stadium – Chennai
• Arun Jaitley Stadium – New Delhi

Stadiums in Sri Lanka

• R. Premadasa Stadium – Colombo
• Sinhalese Sports Club Ground – Colombo
• Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Kandy

These venues are known for their world-class facilities and electric atmospheres.

Official TV Broadcasters & Live Streaming

TV Broadcasters (By Region)

• India: Star Sports
• Pakistan: PTV Sports
• Australia: Fox Cricket
• United Kingdom: Sky Sports
• USA & Canada: Willow TV
• Middle East & North Africa: CricLife

Online Live Streaming Platforms

• Disney+ Hotstar
• Amazon Prime Video
• FanCode
• Willow TV App
• Sky Go
• YuppTV

Live coverage will be available with multiple language commentary options in many regions.

Complete History of ICC T20 World Cup Winners

India and West Indies remain the most successful teams in T20 World Cup history.

ICC T20 World Cup Records (All-Time)

• Most Team Wins: India
• Most Runs: Virat Kohli
• Most Wickets: Shakib Al Hasan
• Highest Team Score: Sri Lanka – 260/6
• Most Sixes: Chris Gayle

These records highlight the greatest performances in T20 World Cup history.

Prize Money – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

• 🏆 Winner: $3 Million
• 🥈 Runner-up: $1.5 Million
• 🥉 Semi-Finalists: $700,000
• Super 8 Teams: $300,000

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets

Tickets for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 are available through official platforms.

Ticket Categories:

• General Admission
• Premium Seating
• VIP Tickets
• Corporate Hospitality Packages

Prices vary depending on venue and match importance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 start?
February 2026.

Which countries are hosting the tournament?
India and Sri Lanka.

How many teams are participating?
20 teams.

How many matches will be played?
55 matches.

Where can I watch ICC T20 World Cup 2026 live?
On official TV broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide.

Why ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Is Special

• It features the largest number of teams (20) in T20 World Cup history
• Matches will be played across iconic Asian cricket venues
• It combines elite cricketing nations with emerging teams, increasing global competitiveness
• The prize money and broadcast reach are significantly higher than previous editions

This tournament is designed to grow T20 cricket worldwide while maintaining elite-level competition.

Full Tournament Structure Breakdown

Group Stage (First Round)

• 4 groups with 5 teams each
• Every team plays 4 matches
• Points system: Win (2 points), No Result (1 point), Loss (0 points)
• Net Run Rate (NRR) will be used to break ties

Super 8 Stage

• Top 2 teams from each group qualify
• 8 teams split into 2 groups
• Each team plays 3 matches

Knockout Stage

• Semi-Final 1
• Semi-Final 2
• Final

Every match in the knockout stage is a do-or-die contest, adding maximum pressure and excitement.

Points Table System Explained

• Matches Played
• Matches Won
• Matches Lost
• No Results
• Net Run Rate (NRR)
• Total Points

Teams finishing at the top of the points table gain momentum heading into the Super 8 phase.

Team Squads – What to Expect

Official squads for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be announced closer to the tournament. Each team is expected to select:

• 15 main players
• 1–2 reserve players

Squads typically include:

• Power hitters for death overs
• Specialist spin bowlers (especially important in Asian conditions)
• All-rounders for balance
• Wicket-keeper batters

Captaincy and leadership roles will play a major role in determining team success.

Conditions & Pitch Report (India & Sri Lanka)

Indian Conditions

• Flat batting-friendly wickets
• High-scoring matches expected
• Dew factor likely in night games

Sri Lankan Conditions

• Slower pitches
• Spin-friendly surfaces
• Tactical low-scoring thrillers possible

Teams with strong spin attacks and adaptable batters will have an advantage.

Weather & Climate During Tournament

• Minimal rain interruptions
• Warm but manageable temperatures
• Evening matches provide better playing conditions

Weather disruptions are expected to be minimal.

Technology & Match Officials

Technology Used

• DRS (Decision Review System)
• UltraEdge
• Ball Tracking
• LED stumps
• Hawk-Eye

Match Officials

Elite ICC umpires and referees from across the world will officiate matches, ensuring fair play and consistency.

Brand Ambassador – ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been announced as the official brand ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2026. His association brings massive global appeal and credibility to the tournament.

Fan Experience & Stadium Atmosphere

• LED light shows
• Live music & entertainment
• Fan zones outside stadiums
• Merchandise stores
• Food courts featuring local cuisine

Both India and Sri Lanka are known for passionate cricket crowds, making the atmosphere electric.

Digital Coverage & Social Media Reach

• Live match highlights on digital platforms
• Real-time statistics and analytics
• Social media engagement across Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook
• Behind-the-scenes content and player interviews

This ensures fans stay connected even beyond live matches.

Emerging Teams to Watch

• USA
• Nepal
• Namibia
• Canada
• Italy

These teams have shown steady improvement and could create major upsets.

Economic & Global Impact

• Generate millions in tourism revenue
• Create thousands of local jobs
• Boost cricket infrastructure
• Expand cricket’s footprint in non-traditional markets

ICC views this event as a major step in cricket globalization.

Ticketing Demand & Availability

• India vs Pakistan match tickets are expected to sell out instantly
• Final and semi-final tickets will be in extremely high demand
• Early booking is highly recommended

Both online and offline ticket options will be available.

Security & Crowd Management

• Multi-layer security checks
• Digital ticket verification
• Crowd control systems
• Emergency medical facilities

Spectator safety is a top priority.

Final Prediction & Expectations

• One of the most-watched cricket events ever
• A perfect blend of experience and young talent
• A tournament full of close finishes, super overs, and record-breaking performances

Cricket fans worldwide are in for an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 promises thrilling matches, iconic rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With expanded teams, top-class venues, and global coverage, this tournament is set to redefine T20 cricket on the world stage.