The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the match schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026. A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches, with the final scheduled for February 6 at Harare Sports Club.
On the opening day, India will face the USA, Zimbabwe will take on Scotland, and Tanzania will make their historic tournament debut against the West Indies. Matches will be held across five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe, and Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval in Namibia.
The tournament format consists of four groups of four teams each, advancing to a Super Six stage, followed by semi-finals and the final in Harare. Defending champions Australia will begin their campaign against Ireland on January 16 in Windhoek. India and Bangladesh, two longstanding rivals, will clash in a highlight match on January 17 in Bulawayo.
Ten teams automatically qualified based on their performance in the 2024 edition, alongside hosts Zimbabwe, while five others earned their spots through regional qualifiers, reflecting the growing global reach of the U19 pathway. Teams are scheduled to arrive on January 8 and will play warm-up matches from January 9 to 14.
Group A includes India, Bangladesh, the USA, and New Zealand. Group B features hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, and Scotland. Group C comprises defending champions Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Group D consists of Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed his excitement for the tournament, stating: “The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, revealing not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are thrilled to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket. This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.
“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field. I extend my warmest wishes to all participating teams as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”
Tournament schedule highlights include:
January 15: USA vs India (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo), Zimbabwe vs Scotland (Takashinga Sports Club, Harare), Tanzania vs West Indies (HP Oval, Windhoek)
January 16: Pakistan vs England (Takashinga, Harare), Australia vs Ireland (Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek), Afghanistan vs South Africa (HP Oval, Windhoek)
January 17: India vs Bangladesh (Queens, Bulawayo), Japan vs Sri Lanka (Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek)
February 6: Final (Harare Sports Club, Harare)
The full match schedule runs from January 15 to February 6, including group matches, Super Six, semi-finals, and the final.
— IANS