The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 marks the 10th edition of cricket’s biggest short-format spectacle. The 20-team tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from February 7 to March 8, 2026, across eight iconic venues.
Over a span of 29 action-packed days, fans will witness 40 group matches followed by the Super Eights, semi-finals, and the grand final. The event promises high-quality cricket, packed stadiums, and global attention.
Tournament Overview
| Edition | 10th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup |
|---|---|
| Dates | 7 February – 8 March 2026 |
| Teams | 20 |
| Hosts | India & Sri Lanka |
| Venues | 8 Stadiums |
| Total Matches | 55 |
Host Venues
India Venues
- Narendra Modi Stadium – Ahmedabad
- MA Chidambaram Stadium – Chennai
- Arun Jaitley Stadium – New Delhi
- Wankhede Stadium – Mumbai
- Eden Gardens – Kolkata
Sri Lanka Venues
- R. Premadasa Stadium – Colombo
- Sinhalese Sports Club Ground – Colombo
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Kandy
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Groups
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Australia | England | South Africa |
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka | West Indies | New Zealand |
| USA | Ireland | Bangladesh | Afghanistan |
| Netherlands | Zimbabwe | Italy | Canada |
| Namibia | Oman | Nepal | UAE |
Opening Match Highlights
The tournament begins on February 7, 2026, with six teams in action on the opening day. Defending champions India will face USA at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, as they aim to become the first team to successfully defend a Men’s T20 World Cup title.
Full Group Stage Schedule – Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07 Feb | 11:00 AM | Pakistan vs Netherlands | SSC, Colombo |
| 07 Feb | 3:00 PM | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Kolkata |
| 07 Feb | 7:00 PM | India vs USA | Mumbai |
| 08 Feb | 11:00 AM | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Chennai |
| 08 Feb | 3:00 PM | England vs Nepal | Mumbai |
| 08 Feb | 7:00 PM | Sri Lanka vs Ireland | Colombo |
| 09 Feb | 7:00 PM | South Africa vs Canada | Ahmedabad |
| 10 Feb | 7:00 PM | Pakistan vs USA | Colombo |
| 11 Feb | 7:00 PM | England vs West Indies | Mumbai |
| 14 Feb | 7:00 PM | New Zealand vs South Africa | Ahmedabad |
| 15 Feb | 7:00 PM | India vs Pakistan | Colombo |
| 18 Feb | 7:00 PM | India vs Netherlands | Ahmedabad |
Note: Full Super Eights, semi-final, and knockout fixtures follow the completion of group matches.
Tournament Format Explained
- 20 teams divided into 4 groups
- Top 2 teams from each group advance to Super Eights
- Super Eights followed by semi-finals
- Grand Final on March 8, 2026
Knockout Matches
| Stage | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final 1 | 4 March 2026 | Kolkata / Colombo |
| Semi-Final 2 | 5 March 2026 | Mumbai |
| Final | 8 March 2026 | Ahmedabad / Colombo |
Why ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Is Special
- First multi-nation event across India & Sri Lanka
- Defending champions India opening the tournament
- Emerging teams like USA, Nepal, Italy gaining spotlight
- High-profile venues and prime-time fixtures
Final Word
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be a landmark tournament, blending elite cricketing nations with emerging teams on some of the most iconic stages in the world. With packed schedules, historic rivalries, and high-stakes knockout matches, the tournament promises unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.
