T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule, Format, Teams, and How to Watch on TV
Everything you need to know ahead of the tournament
The 2026 Men's T20 World Cup is set to begin under a significant cloud of uncertainty, with political tensions causing major disruptions just weeks before the event. Bangladesh has officially withdrawn from the tournament, while Pakistan has declared it will not fulfil a scheduled fixture against India. These developments have thrown the short-format competition into chaos, casting a shadow over what should be a celebratory global cricket event.
Political Tensions Disrupt Tournament Preparations
Political friction between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh has led to dramatic last-minute changes. Bangladesh pulled out after the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused their request to play all their matches in Sri Lanka instead of India. They have been replaced by Scotland, the next highest-ranked non-qualifying team. Meanwhile, Pakistan's government has stated that their national side will not play against India in a match originally scheduled for 15 February in Colombo. This high-profile fixture, a major draw for fans, is now in serious doubt, adding to the pre-tournament drama.
Tournament Format and Defending Champions
A total of 20 teams will compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup, including debutants Italy. The teams are split into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will progress to the "Super 8" stage. This remaining octet will then be divided into two groups of four, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals. No points are carried over from the initial group stage, ensuring a fresh start for the qualifying teams. India enter as the defending champions, having narrowly defeated South Africa in a thrilling 2024 final.
When and Where to Watch the T20 World Cup
The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 7 February, and will conclude with the final on Sunday, 8 March. For viewers in the United Kingdom, every match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Live streaming will be available through Sky Go and the NOW platform, ensuring fans can follow the action from anywhere.
Complete Team List and Group Stage Draw
With Bangladesh's withdrawal and Scotland's inclusion, the final 20-team lineup and groups are as follows:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, United States, Netherlands, Namibia
- Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
- Group C: England, West Indies, Nepal, Italy, Scotland
- Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
Venues and Final Location Contingency
Eight venues across India and Sri Lanka will host matches. In India, games will be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Sri Lanka will utilise three venues: R Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, and Pallekele Cricket Stadium near Kandy.
The final is currently scheduled for Ahmedabad. However, should Pakistan qualify for the final, the match will be relocated to Colombo as a contingency measure, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic sensitivities.
Detailed Fixture Schedule (All Times GMT)
Key group stage fixtures include:
- Saturday 7 February: Pakistan vs Netherlands (Colombo, 5.30am); West Indies vs Scotland (Kolkata, 9.30am); India vs USA (Mumbai, 1.30pm)
- Sunday 15 February: West Indies vs Nepal (Mumbai, 5.30am); USA vs Namibia (Chennai, 9.30am); India vs Pakistan (Colombo, 1.30pm) – subject to change
- Saturday 14 February: England vs Scotland (Kolkata, 9.30am); New Zealand vs South Africa (Ahmedabad, 1.30pm)
The Super 8 stage runs from Saturday 21 February to Sunday 1 March, with matches in Colombo, Kandy, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata. The semi-finals are scheduled for Wednesday 4 March (venue TBC between Kolkata and Colombo) and Thursday 5 March (Mumbai). The tournament culminates with the final on Sunday 8 March, to be held in either Ahmedabad or Colombo depending on Pakistan's progression.
