New Delhi | November 19, 2025

The International Cricket Council has announced the complete match schedule for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026. This upcoming edition will feature 16 teams competing across 41 matches, making it one of the biggest youth cricket events in recent years. The final will be held at the Harare Sports Club on February 6.

The opening day promises high excitement, with India taking on the USA, hosts Zimbabwe playing against Scotland, and Tanzania making their first-ever World Cup appearance in a match against the West Indies. Matches will be played at five major venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe, and Namibia Cricket Ground along with HP Oval in Namibia.

The tournament format follows four groups of four teams, which then move into a Super Six stage, followed by the semi-finals and the final. Australia, the defending champions, will begin their campaign against Ireland on January 16 in Windhoek. A major early highlight will be the India vs Bangladesh match on January 17 in Bulawayo, a rivalry often marked by intense competition at the U19 level.

Ten teams qualified automatically based on their 2024 performances, while hosts Zimbabwe earned their place directly. The remaining five teams secured their spots through regional qualifiers, showing how the U19 pathway is reaching more nations across the world. All participating teams will arrive on January 8, with warm-up games planned from January 9 to 14.

The group allocations reflect a well-balanced and competitive field. Group A features India, Bangladesh, the USA, and New Zealand. Group B brings together Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, and Scotland. Group C includes defending champions Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Group D consists of Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed his enthusiasm for the event, calling the U19 World Cup a “launchpad for the future greats of cricket.” He emphasized how the tournament has historically introduced the world to stars like Brian Lara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill. He said the 2026 edition would continue this tradition by giving young players a competitive environment that prepares them for international cricket.

Shah also highlighted Tanzania’s entry as a notable milestone, showing the growing global reach of the sport. He wished all the teams success as they prepare to represent their nations in this prestigious tournament.

Some of the key fixtures include India vs USA, Zimbabwe vs Scotland, and Tanzania vs West Indies on January 15; Australia vs Ireland on January 16; and the India vs Bangladesh clash on January 17. The tournament will conclude with the final on February 6.

With strong teams, debut moments, and exciting young talent, the 2026 U19 World Cup promises to be a thrilling chapter in cricket’s 

 ICC Releases Full Schedule for U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026

The ICC has officially released the full schedule for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, and young cricket fans have a lot to look forward to. The tournament will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026. A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches, with the final set to take place at the Harare Sports Club.

India will open their campaign against the USA, while Zimbabwe will take on Scotland. Tanzania will also make history by playing their first World Cup match against the West Indies. Five stadiums across the two host countries will see action throughout the event.

The format includes four groups, a Super Six round, semi-finals, and the final. Australia, the defending champions, start against Ireland, and one of the most exciting early matches will be India vs Bangladesh on January 17.

Teams from all over the world—both established cricket nations and newer ones—will get a chance to show their talent. The ICC says the tournament is a major platform for young players to begin their journey toward becoming future cricket stars.