The ICC has officially released the groups and schedule for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to run from 7 February to 8 March next year. A total of 20 teams will take part, split into four groups of five for the opening stage of the competition.
Bangladesh have been drawn in Group C, which includes England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy. It is a group full of variety: two former champions, one fast-improving team and one debutant. Bangladesh will play their first match on the very first day of the tournament, ensuring an early spotlight on the team.
Group A contains the much-anticipated pairing of India and Pakistan, who are joined by the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands. All three associate nations have enjoyed recent success, making the group more competitive than it might appear at first glance.
Group B features Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. While Australia are likely favourites, the remaining teams have enough experience to make the group unpredictable. In Group D, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan head the line-up, with Canada and the UAE rounding off the group.
Once the group stage is completed, the top two from each group will move on to the Super Eight phase. These eight teams will then be divided into two new groups. The top four teams – two from each group – will qualify for the semi-finals, and the tournament will conclude with the grand final on 8 March.
