Get ready, because the T20 ICC Men’s World Cup 2026 is about to light up the cricket world. With 20 teams, a bunch of new faces, and some of the best stadiums in India and Sri Lanka, this tournament’s going to have everything—old rivalries, wild crowds, and those unpredictable moments cricket fans live for. India and Sri Lanka are sharing hosting duties, and both countries are already buzzing with excitement.
So, why should you care about this World Cup? Well, whether you’re glued to every ball or just tune in for the big games, there’s something here for everyone—group battles, legendary venues, and fan experiences you won’t want to miss.
What’s Happening and When
This is the 10th edition of the T20 ICC Men’s World Cup, running from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Twenty teams. Eight venues. One month of non-stop action. The tournament returns to the Indian subcontinent—a place where people eat, sleep, and breathe cricket.
You’ll see a mix of past champions, rising stars, and teams you might not expect to make a splash. The level of competition’s higher than ever, and the T20 format means anything can happen—big hits, quick wickets, and last-over drama.
Tournament Format—Here’s How It Works
The World Cup spreads out over 29 days. First up: the group stage. Then, the Super Eights, and finally, the knockouts—semi-finals and the big final. With cricket giants and fresh faces in the mix, there’s no telling how things will shake out.
Group Stage: 4 groups (A, B, C, D), 5 teams each, all playing round-robin.
Super Eights: Top 2 from each group move on. The pressure ramps up.
Knockouts: Semi-finals and finals, split between Kolkata, Colombo, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
Breaking Down the Groups
Group A: India, USA, Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia
You know what’s coming—India vs. Pakistan always delivers. The USA is making history just by being here, and the Netherlands and Namibia have both pulled off surprises before.
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Australia and Sri Lanka usually set the pace, but teams like Ireland and Zimbabwe love an upset.
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Some heavyweights, some dreamers. The West Indies and England will want to dominate, but don’t count out the new guys.
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
All sorts of styles and strategies here. South Africa and New Zealand look strong, but Afghanistan has a habit of shaking things up.
Full Fixtures for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| Date | Time | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue |
| 07 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | PAK | NED | SSC, Colombo |
| 07 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | WI | BAN | Kolkata |
| 07 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | IND | USA | Mumbai |
| 08 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | NZ | AFG | Chennai |
| 08 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | ENG | NEP | Mumbai |
| 08 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | SL | IRE | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 09 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | BAN | ITA | Kolkata |
| 09 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | ZIM | OMA | SSC, Colombo |
| 09 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | SA | CAN | Ahmedabad |
| 10 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | NED | NAM | Delhi |
| 10 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | NZ | UAE | Chennai |
| 10 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | PAK | USA | SSC, Colombo |
| 11 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | SA | AFG | Ahmedabad |
| 11 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | AUS | IRE | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 11 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | ENG | WI | Mumbai |
| 12 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | SL | OMA | Kandy |
| 12 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | NEP | ITA | Mumbai |
| 12 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | IND | NAM | Delhi |
| 13 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | AUS | ZIM | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 13 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | CAN | UAE | Delhi |
| 13 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | USA | NED | Chennai |
| 14 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | IRE | OMA | SSC, Colombo |
| 14 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | ENG | BAN | Kolkata |
| 14 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | NZ | SA | Ahmedabad |
| 15 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | WI | NEP | Mumbai |
| 15 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | USA | NAM | Chennai |
| 15 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | IND | PAK | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 16 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | AFG | UAE | Delhi |
| 16 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | ENG | ITA | Kolkata |
| 16 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | AUS | SL | Kandy |
| 17 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | NZ | CAN | Chennai |
| 17 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | IRE | ZIM | Kandy |
| 17 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | BAN | NEP | Mumbai |
| 18 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | SA | UAE | Delhi |
| 18 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | PAK | NAM | SSC, Colombo |
| 18 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | IND | NED | Ahmedabad |
| 19 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | WI | ITA | Kolkata |
| 19 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | SL | ZIM | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 19 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | AFG | CAN | Chennai |
| 20 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 20 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 20 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | AUS | OMA | Kandy |
| 21 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 21 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 21 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | Y2 | Y3 | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 22 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 22 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | Y1 | Y4 | Kandy |
| 22 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | X1 | X4 | Ahmedabad |
| 23 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 23 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 23 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | X2 | X3 | Mumbai |
| 24 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 24 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 24 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | Y1 | Y3 | Kandy |
| 25 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 25 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 25 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | Y2 | Y4 | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 26 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 26 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | X3 | X4 | Ahmedabad |
| 26 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | X1 | X2 | Chennai |
| 27 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 27 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 27 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | Y1 | Y2 | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 28 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 28 Feb 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 28 Feb 2026 | 7:00 PM | Y3 | Y4 | Kandy |
| 01 Mar 2026 | 11:00 AM | |||
| 01 Mar 2026 | 3:00 PM | X2 | X4 | Delhi |
| 01 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | X1 | X3 | Kolkata |
| 02 Mar 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 02 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | |||
| 03 Mar 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 03 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | |||
| 04 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | SF1 | KO | Kolkata |
| 04 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | SF1 | KO | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 05 Mar 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 05 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | SF2 | KO | Mumbai |
| 06 Mar 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 06 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | |||
| 07 Mar 2026 | 3:00 PM | |||
| 07 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | |||
| 08 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | FINAL | KO | Premadasa, Colombo |
| 08 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM | FINAL | KO | Ahmedabad |
The Stadiums—Where the Magic Happens
Eight stadiums, two countries, all packed with fans:
– Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
– MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
– Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
– Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
– Eden Gardens, Kolkata
– R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
– Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
– Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Each ground has its own vibe—different pitches, different crowds, and all sorts of stories waiting to unfold.
Opening Day—Don’t Blink
The tournament kicks off with six games at once on February 7, 2026. India faces the USA in Mumbai. That’s not just a cricket match; it’s a sign of how far the game’s spreading.
Teams to Watch—Who’ll Surprise Us?
Keep an eye on the USA, Italy, and Namibia. They’re shaking up the order. Stars from Nepal, Afghanistan, and Ireland have the talent to flip matches on their heads.
Where to Watch
Catch all the action on Star Sports, Jio Hotstar, Willow TV, or the ICC’s digital platforms. No matter where you are, you won’t miss a thing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the tournament start?
February 7, 2026.
How many teams are playing?
Twenty.
Where’s the final?
Ahmedabad and Colombo.
How can I watch?
Official broadcasters and streaming apps.
Who’s defending champion?
India.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for the Party
T20 ICC Men’s World Cup 2026 isn’t just another tournament—it’s a celebration. It’s tradition, it’s wild crowds, it’s jaw-dropping moments, and it’s fans from around the world coming together. Mark your calendar, round up your friends, and get ready for a month of pure cricket chaos. This one’s going to be talked about for years.
