Dubai, Nov 19 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the match schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026. A total of 16 teams will battle it out in 41 matches, culminating in the final on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.

On the inaugural day, India will take on the USA, while Zimbabwe faces Scotland, and Tanzania will make their historic tournament debut against the West Indies. The matches will occur across five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe, along with the Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval Namibia.

The tournament format consists of four groups, each containing four teams, which will advance to a Super Six phase, followed by semi-finals, and finally the championship in Harare.

Defending champions Australia will begin their title defense against Ireland on the second day in Windhoek. Simultaneously, fierce rivals India and Bangladesh will clash in a much-anticipated match on January 17 in Bulawayo.

Ten teams secured automatic qualification based on their previous performances in 2024, joining the hosts Zimbabwe. The remaining five teams earned their spots through regional qualifications, showcasing the expanding global reach of the U19 cricket pathway.

Teams are set to arrive on January 8, followed by warm-up matches scheduled from January 9 to 14. Group A features India, the most successful team with five titles, alongside 2020 winners Bangladesh, the USA, and New Zealand.

Group B consists of co-hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, and Scotland. Group C includes the reigning champions Australia, with Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Group D comprises Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been a breeding ground for greatness, showcasing not only emerging cricketers but future legends. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill, this event has consistently contributed to the evolution of our sport.”

“Looking forward to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are thrilled to offer young cricketers a world-class stage that reflects the challenges of senior international cricket. This tournament is a catalyst for dreams, rivalries, and the shaping of the future of cricket.”

“We are particularly excited to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut, joining a truly global lineup of teams. I wish all participating squads the best as they represent their nations with pride and potential,” he added.

Tournament schedule:

January 15: USA v India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 15: Zimbabwe v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

January 15: Tanzania v West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 16: Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

January 16: Australia v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 16: Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 17: India v Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 17: Japan v Sri Lanka, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 18: New Zealand v USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 18: England v Zimbabwe, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

January 18: West Indies v Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 19: Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

January 19: Sri Lanka v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 19: South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 20: Bangladesh v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 20: Australia v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 21: England v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

January 21: Afghanistan v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 22: Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

January 22: Ireland v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 22: West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 23: Bangladesh v USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

January 23: Sri Lanka v Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 24: India v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 24: A4 v D4, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 25: Super Six A1 v D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 25: Super Six D2 v A3, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 26: B4 v C4, Harare Sports Club, Harare

January 26: Super Six C1 v B2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 26: Super Six D1 v A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 27: Super Six C2 v B3, Harare Sports Club, Harare

January 27: Super Six C3 v B1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 28: Super Six, A1 v D2, Harare Sports Club, Harare

January 29: Super Six D3 v A2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 30: Super Six D1 v A3, Harare Sports Club, Harare

January 30: Super Six B3 v C1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 31: Super Six B2 v C3, Harare Sports Club, Harare

February 01: Super Six B1 v C2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

February 03: First semifinal, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

February 04: Second semifinal, Harare Sports Club, Harare

February 06: Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare