ICC U19 World Cup 2026: The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 is all set to bring the world’s brightest young cricket talents into the spotlight from 15 January to 6 February 2026.
The global youth tournament, known for producing future stars of international cricket, will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The previous edition took place in 2024, and excitement is once again building for this next big chapter of youth cricket.
Tournament Format (Unchanged From Previous Editions)
The ICC has retained the same structure used in earlier editions. A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches across 23 days.
Stage Breakdown
- Group Stage: 4 groups of 4 teams (each team plays 3 matches).
- Super Six: Top 3 teams from each group progress to the next stage.
- Semi-Finals: Top 4 teams from Super Six qualify for semis on 3 & 4 February.
- Final: To be played on 6 February 2026 at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe.
This tried-and-tested format ensures competitiveness and gives every team a fair chance to advance deep into the tournament.
Opening Day Fixtures – A Big Start on January 15
The U19 World Cup 2026 kicks off with three exciting matches:
- India vs USA – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Zimbabwe vs Scotland – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Tanzania vs West Indies – HP Oval, Windhoek
This edition is historic as Tanzania makes its debut, while Japan returns after previously featuring in 2020.
Venues for ICC U19 World Cup 2026
Matches will be played across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia:
Zimbabwe
- Harare Sports Club, Harare (hosts the final)
- Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Namibia
- Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- HP Oval, Windhoek
These venues have previously hosted major ICC events and are known for competitive cricketing conditions.
Warm-Up Matches: January 9–14
All participating teams will arrive by 8 January.
Warm-up fixtures will take place between 9 and 14 January, giving teams important practice time before the official tournament starts.
Group-Wise Team Distribution
Group A
- Australia
- Ireland
- Japan
- Sri Lanka
Group B
- India
- Bangladesh
- USA
- New Zealand
Group C
- Zimbabwe
- Pakistan
- England
- Scotland
Group D
- Tanzania
- West Indies
- Afghanistan
- South Africa
Group B, featuring India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and USA, is expected to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
Full ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
15 January
- USA vs India – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Zimbabwe vs Scotland – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Tanzania vs West Indies – HP Oval, Windhoek
16 January
- Pakistan vs England – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Australia vs Ireland – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- Afghanistan vs South Africa – HP Oval, Windhoek
17 January
- India vs Bangladesh – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Japan vs Sri Lanka – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
18 January
- New Zealand vs USA – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- England vs Zimbabwe – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- West Indies vs Afghanistan – HP Oval, Windhoek
19 January
- Pakistan vs Scotland – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Sri Lanka vs Ireland – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- South Africa vs Tanzania – HP Oval, Windhoek
20 January
- Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Australia vs Japan – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
21 January
- England vs Scotland – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Afghanistan vs Tanzania – HP Oval, Windhoek
22 January
- Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Ireland vs Japan – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- West Indies vs South Africa – HP Oval, Windhoek
23 January
- Bangladesh vs USA – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Sri Lanka vs Australia – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
24 January
- India vs New Zealand – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- A4 vs D4 – HP Oval, Windhoek
25 January
- Super Six: A1 vs D3 – Namibia Cricket Ground
- Super Six: D2 vs A3 – HP Oval
26 January
- B4 vs C4 – Harare Sports Club
- Super Six: C1 vs B2 – Queens Sports Club
- Super Six: D1 vs A2 – Namibia Cricket Ground
27 January
- Super Six: C2 vs B3 – Harare Sports Club
- Super Six: C3 vs B1 – Queens Sports Club
28 January
- Super Six: A1 vs D2 – Harare Sports Club
29 January
- Super Six: D3 vs A2 – Queens Sports Club
30 January
- Super Six: D1 vs A3 – Harare Sports Club
- Super Six: B3 vs C1 – Queens Sports Club
31 January
- Super Six: B2 vs C3 – Harare Sports Club
1 February
- Super Six: B1 vs C2 – Queens Sports Club
3 February – Semi-Final 1
- Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
4 February – Semi-Final 2
- Harare Sports Club, Harare
6 February – Final
- Harare Sports Club, Harare
Conclusion
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 promises high-intensity matches, rising stars, and historic moments. With India beginning their campaign against the USA and top cricketing nations competing across two exciting host countries, fans can expect an unforgettable tournament.
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