ICC announces schedule for Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026. The World Cup will be jointly 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 taking place on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.
On the first day, India will face the United States, Zimbabwe will face Scotland, and Tanzania will begin their historic tournament against the West Indies. These matches will be held at five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe, as well as the Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval in Namibia.
The tournament structure consists of four groups of four teams each, progressing to the Super Six stage, the semi-finals, and finally the final in Harare.
Defending champions Australia will begin their campaign on the second day against Ireland in Windhoek. Meanwhile, arch-rivals India and Bangladesh will face off in a key match in Bulawayo on January 17.
Ten teams automatically qualified based on their performance in the 2024 edition, joining hosts Zimbabwe. The other five secured their places through regional qualification events, reflecting the growing international reach of the Under-19 pathway.
Both teams will arrive on January 8 and play practice matches from January 9 to 14. Group A includes India, the most successful team with five titles, along with 2020 winners Bangladesh, the United States, and New Zealand.
Group B includes co-hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, and Scotland. Group C includes defending champions Australia, along with Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Group D includes Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
Expressing his excitement for the tournament, where the rising stars of world cricket will showcase their talent, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, “The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been a beacon of greatness, a tournament that unveils not only the next generation of cricketers, but also the next generation of legends. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, this event has consistently shaped the future of our game.”
“Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited 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 cricket landscape begins to take shape.”
“We are particularly delighted to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all participating teams as they embark on this remarkable journey and represent their countries with pride and confidence.”
Tournament Schedule:
January 15: USA vs. India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 15: Zimbabwe vs. Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
January 15: Tanzania vs. West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 16: Pakistan vs. England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
January 16: Australia vs. Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 16: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 17: India vs. Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 17: Japan vs. Sri Lanka, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 18: New Zealand vs. USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 18: England vs. Zimbabwe, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
January 18: West Indies vs. Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 19: Pakistan vs. Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
January 19: Sri Lanka vs. Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 19: South Africa vs. Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 20: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 20: Australia vs. Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 21: England vs. Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
January 21: Afghanistan vs. Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 22: Zimbabwe vs. Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
January 22: Ireland vs. Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 22: West Indies vs. South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 23: Bangladesh vs. USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
January 23: Sri Lanka vs. Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 24: India vs. New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 24: A4 vs. D4, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 25: Super Six A1 vs. D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 25: Super Six D2 vs. A3, HP Oval, Windhoek
January 26: B4 vs. C4, Harare Sports Club, Harare
January 26: Super Six C1 vs. B2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 26: Super Six D1 vs. A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 27: Super Six C2 vs. B3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
January 27: Super Six C3 vs. B1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 28: Super
