ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Groups: Official Group-Wise Team List
The excitement is growing as cricket fans around the world prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 Groups, officially confirmed by the ICC. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, making this edition even more special for fans in Asia and beyond.
A total of 20 teams will take part in the event. These teams will be divided into four groups, and each group will have five teams. This means the opening round will be very competitive, with tough matches, surprise underdogs, and big teams facing off right from the start.
Below, you will find a clear and simple breakdown of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Groups, the tournament format, the full list of participating teams, and what cricket fans can expect from one of the sport’s biggest global events.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Tournament Overview
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The tournament will feature 20 teams playing 55 matches. The format includes exciting group stages, followed by the Super 8s, and then the knockouts, making the event action-packed from start to finish.
This global cricket event will be held in famous stadiums across India and Sri Lanka, giving fans a perfect mix of traditional cricket culture and modern entertainment. These two host nations are known for their passionate crowds, lively atmosphere, and world-class cricket experience, making the tournament even more special.
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Administrator | International Cricket Council (ICC) |
| Format | Twenty-20 Internationals |
| Tournament format | Group stage, Super 8s & Knockout stage |
| Host(s) | India & Sri Lanka |
| Number of teams | 20 |
| Number of matches | 55 |
| Recent edition | 2024 |
| Current champions | India |
T20 World Cup 2026 Groups – Official ICC Group-Wise List
The ICC has officially finalized the t20 world cup 2026 all groups, ensuring a balanced mix of top-tier powerhouses, rising nations, and debutant-driven excitement. Each group contains five teams, with the top two advancing to the Super 8s.
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Australia | Bangladesh | UAE |
| Namibia | Oman | Italy | Afghanistan |
| Netherlands | Ireland | Nepal | Canada |
| USA | Zimbabwe | West Indies | New Zealand |
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka | England | South Africa |
Why This Format Works
By keeping groups diverse, the ICC allows emerging teams the chance to upset giants—something that added major drama in the 2024 edition. A single win can rewrite a team’s World Cup story.
Super 8 Format – What Happens After the Group Stage?
Once the top two teams from each group qualify, they enter the Super 8s, split into two new groups of four. Teams play another round-robin, and the best two from each Super 8 group reach the semi-finals.
This structure rewards consistency and adaptability. A team may start slowly but still turn their campaign around, something fans of the West Indies and Pakistan have witnessed multiple times in T20 history.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Groups Team List – All 20 Qualified Teams
Here is the complete list of qualified teams along with how they secured their spot:
| Team | Qualification Method |
|---|---|
| India | Co-hosts |
| Sri Lanka | Co-hosts |
| Afghanistan | Top 7 finish in T20WC 2024 |
| Australia | Top 7 finish in T20WC 2024 |
| Bangladesh | Top 7 finish in T20WC 2024 |
| England | Top 7 finish in T20WC 2024 |
| South Africa | Top 7 finish in T20WC 2024 |
| USA | Top 7 finish in T20WC 2024 |
| West Indies | Top 7 finish in T20WC 2024 |
| Ireland | ICC Men’s T20 Team Rankings |
| New Zealand | ICC Men’s T20 Team Rankings |
| Pakistan | ICC Men’s T20 Team Rankings |
| Canada | Americas Qualifier |
| Italy | Europe Qualifier |
| Netherlands | Europe Qualifier |
| Namibia | Africa Qualifier |
| Zimbabwe | Africa Qualifier |
| Nepal | Asia/EAP Qualifier |
| Oman | Asia/EAP Qualifier |
| UAE | Asia/EAP Qualifier |
Fun fact: Italy and Nepal’s qualification marks a growing cricketing footprint in regions that were once considered non-traditional cricket territories.
What Makes the 2026 Group Stage Especially Thrilling?
1. Rivalries Are Back
India vs Pakistan, Australia vs England, and South Africa vs New Zealand, all scheduled for the group stage, set the tone for blockbuster viewership.
2. Qualification Stakes Are Higher
A slip in the early matches may cost even the top teams a Super 8 spot.
3. Associate Teams Are Not Underdogs Anymore
USA, Namibia, Nepal, and UAE have proven they can surprise the world. One group-stage upset can dismantle predictions.
4. Subcontinent Conditions
Spin-friendly surfaces and dew-factor influence will shape team strategies heavily.
Conclusion
The confirmed t20 world cup 2026 groups ensure that every match in the group stage carries weight. With 20 teams divided into four groups of five, the competition promises surprises, drama, and iconic cricketing moments.
As teams vie for the top two spots in their respective groups, the road to the Super 8s, and ultimately the final, becomes a test of skill, temperament, and resilience.
Fans can look forward to an unforgettable edition hosted by India and Sri Lanka, where cricketing tradition meets global passion.
FAQ’s
How many groups are there in the T20 World Cup 2026?
There are four groups, each containing five teams.
How many teams qualify for the Super 8s?
The top two teams from each group move to the Super 8 stage.
Which countries are hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup?
India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the tournament.
How many total matches will be played?
A total of 55 matches will be played.
How did associate teams qualify?
Through regional qualifiers across Africa, Asia/EAP, Europe, and the Americas.