The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 is set to captivate cricket fans worldwide as the sport’s brightest young talents converge on Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
This 16th edition of cricket’s premier youth tournament promises to showcase the next generation of international superstars across 41 thrilling matches.
Australia enters as defending champions after their dramatic victory over India in 2024, but with 16 hungry nations competing across four groups, the championship is wide open.
From established cricket powerhouses to emerging nations making their tournament debut, this edition promises unprecedented excitement and potential upsets.
Here’s your complete guide to fixtures, groups, venues, and everything you need to follow cricket’s future superstars in action.
Tournament Overview: Format & Structure
Competition Format
The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 follows a proven format designed to maximize competitive cricket:
Tournament Structure:
- Group Stage: 16 teams divided into 4 groups (4 teams each)
- Super Six Stage: Top 3 teams from each group advance (12 teams total)
- Knockout Phase: Semi-finals and final
- Total Matches: 41 matches over 23 days
- Match Format: 50-over games throughout
Key Tournament Details
| Detail | Information |
| Tournament Edition | 16th ICC U19 World Cup |
| Dates | January 15 – February 6, 2026 |
| Host Countries | Zimbabwe & Namibia |
| Defending Champions | Australia |
| Total Teams | 16 |
| Total Matches | 41 |
| Match Format | 50 overs per side |
Tournament Groups & Team Breakdown
The 16 participating nations have been divided into four balanced groups, mixing traditional cricket powerhouses with emerging nations:
Group A: Asian Power vs Rising Nations
- India – Five-time champions, tournament favorites
- Bangladesh – 2020 champions, defending Asian pride
- USA – North American representatives, growing cricket nation
- New Zealand – Consistent performers, never won but always competitive
Group B: Home Advantage Meets Championship Heritage
- Zimbabwe – Tournament co-hosts with passionate home support
- Pakistan – Two-time champions, recent U19 Asia Cup winners
- England – 1998 champions, reached 2022 final
- Scotland – European qualifiers, upset specialists
Group C: Defending Champions Face Global Expansion
- Australia – Defending champions seeking back-to-back titles
- Ireland – Rapid cricket development, competitive European nation
- Japan – Asian expansion story, growing cricket infrastructure
- Sri Lanka – Traditional cricket nation with strong youth programs
Group D: African Debut Meets Established Powers
- Tanzania – Historic tournament debut, East African representation
- West Indies – 2016 champions, Caribbean flair and talent
- Afghanistan – Cricket’s modern success story, rapid development
- South Africa – 2014 champions, renowned youth development system
Complete Tournament Schedule
Opening Day Drama (January 15, 2026)
The tournament launches with three captivating matches across two countries:
| Match | Time (Local) | Venue | Significance |
| USA vs India | 09:30 AM | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo | Tournament opener featuring five-time champions |
| Zimbabwe vs Scotland | 09:30 AM | Takashinga Sports Club, Harare | Hosts begin campaign at home |
| Tanzania vs West Indies | 09:30 AM | High Performance Oval, Windhoek | Historic debut for Tanzania |
Group Stage Schedule (January 15-24, 2026)
January 16, 2026:
- Pakistan vs England (09:30 AM) – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Australia vs Ireland (09:30 AM) – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- Afghanistan vs South Africa (09:30 AM) – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
January 17, 2026:
- India vs Bangladesh (09:30 AM) – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Japan vs Sri Lanka (09:30 AM) – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 18, 2026:
- West Indies vs Afghanistan (09:30 AM) – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
- England vs Zimbabwe (09:30 AM) – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- New Zealand vs USA (09:30 AM) – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
January 19, 2026:
- Pakistan vs Scotland (09:30 AM) – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Sri Lanka vs Ireland (09:30 AM) – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- South Africa vs Tanzania (09:30 AM) – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
January 20, 2026:
- Bangladesh vs New Zealand (09:30 AM) – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Australia vs Japan (09:30 AM) – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
January 21, 2026:
- England vs Scotland (09:30 AM) – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Afghanistan vs Tanzania (09:30 AM) – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
January 22, 2026 – Crucial Group Deciders:
- West Indies vs South Africa<span> (09:30 AM) – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
- Ireland vs Japan (09:30 AM) – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- Zimbabwe vs Pakistan (09:30 AM) – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare (Hosts vs Asia Cup champions)
January 23, 2026:
- Bangladesh vs USA (09:30 AM) – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Sri Lanka vs Australia (09:30 AM) – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek (Defending champions tested)
January 24, 2026 – Group Stage Finale:
- India vs New Zealand (09:30 AM) – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo (Group A leadership battle)
- 1st Playoff: A4 vs D4 (09:30 AM) – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
Super Six Stage (January 25-31, 2026)
The top three teams from each group advance to two Super Six groups of six teams each:
Super Six Group 1:
- Teams from Groups A and D compete
- Matches: January 25, 26, 28, 29, 30
Super Six Group 2:
- Teams from Groups B and C compete
- Matches: January 26, 27, 30, 31
Key Super Six Dates:
- January 25: Super Six begins with D2 vs A3, A1 vs D3
- January 26: 2nd Playoff (B4 vs C4), C1 vs B2, D1 vs A2
- January 30: Critical final group matches
Knockout Stage (February 1-6, 2026)
Semi-finals:
- 1st Semi-final: February 1, 2026 (09:30 AM) – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 2nd Semi-final: February 4, 2026 (09:30 AM) – Harare Sports Club, Harare
Final:
- Championship Match: February 6, 2026 (09:30 AM) – Harare Sports Club, Harare
Venues & Host Cities
Zimbabwe Venues (25 matches including final)
Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Hosts the final and one semi-final
- Zimbabwe’s premier cricket venue
- Capacity for passionate local crowds
Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Primary Group B venue
- Host to Zimbabwe’s home matches
- Modern facilities with excellent playing conditions
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Historic venue with rich cricket heritage
- Group A headquarters
- Hosts one semi-final
Namibia Venues (16 matches)
Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- Groups A and C matches
- Modern facility showcasing Namibian cricket development
- High-quality playing surface
High Performance Oval, Windhoek
- Group D headquarters
- Training and development facility
- Excellent spectator experience
Matches to Watch: Must-See Fixtures
Opening Round Highlights
USA vs India (January 15) The tournament’s opening match features cricket’s emerging power against its most successful U19 nation. India’s five championship titles meet America’s growing cricket ambitions.
Zimbabwe vs Scotland (January 15) Tournament hosts Zimbabwe begin their campaign against European qualifiers Scotland. Home crowd advantage meets Scottish determination in Harare.
Tanzania vs West Indies (January 15) History in the making as Tanzania makes their tournament debut against 2016 champions West Indies. East African cricket takes center stage.
Group Stage Blockbusters
Pakistan vs England (January 16) Former champions clash as Pakistan’s recent U19 Asia Cup triumph meets England’s 1998 legacy. Both teams know how to win when it matters.
India vs Bangladesh (January 17) Asian powerhouse battle featuring India’s five titles against Bangladesh’s 2020 championship breakthrough. Regional supremacy on the line.
Australia vs Japan (January 20) Defending champions Australia face cricket’s global expansion story in Japan. Four-time winners meet tournament debutants in fascinating cultural clash.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan (January 22) Tournament co-hosts face Asia Cup champions in front of passionate Harare crowds. Home advantage meets recent championship form.
Sri Lanka vs Australia (January 23) Defending champions get their sternest group test against traditionally strong Sri Lankan youth cricket. Title defense credentials examined.
India vs New Zealand (January 24) Group A’s final day potentially decides group leadership between India’s championship pedigree and New Zealand’s consistent competitiveness.
Super Six Crucial Encounters
The Super Six stage will feature the tournament’s most intense matches as 12 remaining teams battle for four semi-final spots. Each match carries enormous weight with no room for error.
Knockout Drama
Semi-finals (February 1 & 4) Four teams remain with championship dreams alive. Pressure reaches maximum intensity as one loss ends title hopes.
Final (February 6) Cricket’s future superstars compete for sport’s most prestigious youth title at iconic Harare Sports Club.
Global Viewing Times
All matches start at 09:30 AM local time (Zimbabwe/Namibia). Here are the viewing times worldwide:
| Region | Local Time | Perfect For |
| India | 1:00 PM IST | Lunch-time cricket viewing |
| Pakistan | 12:30 PM PKT | Midday entertainment |
| UK | 7:30 AM GMT | Breakfast cricket |
| Australia | 6:30 PM AEDT (previous day) | Evening entertainment |
| USA (East) | 2:30 AM EST | Early morning for dedicated fans |
| South Africa | 9:30 AM SAST | Perfect morning cricket |
How to Watch Worldwide
Official Coverage
ICC Digital Platforms
- Live streaming of all 41 matches
- Comprehensive highlights and analysis
- Player interviews and behind-the-scenes content
Regional Broadcasters
- India: Star Sports network with extensive coverage
- Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo streaming
- Pakistan: PTV Sports and digital platforms
- UK: Sky Sports cricket channels
- Zimbabwe/Namibia: Local broadcasters with passionate commentary
Digital Experience
ICC Official App
- Live scores and ball-by-ball commentary
- Video highlights and player features
- Tournament news and updates
Social Media Coverage
- ICC’s official channels provide regular updates
- Real-time highlights and key moments
- Player spotlights and team features
Tournament History & What’s at Stake
Championship Legacy
Most Successful Nations:
- India: 5 titles (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022)
- Australia: 4 titles (1988, 2002, 2010, 2024) – Defending champions
- Pakistan: 2 titles (2004, 2006) – Only back-to-back winners
Recent Champions:
- 2024: Australia defeated India by 79 runs
- 2022: India defeated England in Antigua
- 2020: Bangladesh defeated India (first ICC title at any level)
- 2018: India defeated Australia in New Zealand
Future Star Pipeline
This tournament serves as cricket’s premier talent identification platform. Recent U19 World Cup alumni now starring in international cricket include:
- Shubman Gill<span> (India) – Current Test and ODI regular
- Yashasvi Jaiswal<span> (India) – Rising Test star
- Fraser-McGurk (Australia) – T20 sensation
- Pramadya Wickramasinghe (Sri Lanka) – Emerging all-rounder
Tournament Impact
The U19 World Cup consistently identifies future international stars years before they reach senior cricket. Scouts from every major cricket nation attend, seeking the next generation of talent that will shape cricket’s future.
What Makes 2026 Special
African Cricket Showcase
Zimbabwe and Namibia co-hosting demonstrates cricket’s African growth. Tanzania’s historic debut adds another chapter to the continent’s cricket development story.
Global Expansion Evidence
Teams like Japan and USA represent cricket’s worldwide reach beyond traditional boundaries. Their participation showcases the ICC’s successful global development strategy.
Championship Drama
With Australia seeking consecutive titles, India aiming for a sixth crown, and Pakistan building on Asia Cup success, the championship race promises exceptional drama.
Youth Development Spotlight
At just 15 years old, India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi represents the tournament’s youth focus. These players will likely compete in senior World Cups throughout the 2030s.
Tournament Predictions & Outlook
Title Contenders
Tier 1 Favorites:
- India: Five-time champions with strong development system
- Australia: Defending champions with proven tournament experience
- Pakistan: Recent U19 Asia Cup winners with championship momentum
Tier 2 Challengers:
- England: 2022 finalists with consistent youth development
- South Africa: 2014 champions with excellent player development
- Bangladesh: 2020 champions seeking to defend Asian cricket pride
Potential Surprises
- Zimbabwe: Home advantage and passionate support could fuel unexpected success.
- West Indies: Caribbean flair and attacking cricket might surprise established teams.
- Afghanistan: Rapid cricket development continues with competitive youth teams.
Tournament Storylines
- Can Australia repeat? Back-to-back titles would cement their U19 dominance
- India’s sixth title bid Would extend their record as tournament’s most successful nation
- Tanzania’s historic debut Every match represents groundbreaking African cricket development
- Home hero hopes Zimbabwe’s passionate fans dream of tournament success
FAQs
When does the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament begins on January 15, 2026, with three opening matches across Zimbabwe and Namibia.
How many teams are participating?
Sixteen teams compete across four groups, representing cricket’s global reach from traditional powers to emerging nations.
What is the tournament format?
Four groups of four teams each, followed by Super Six stage (top 3 from each group), semi-finals, and final.
Where is the final being played?
The championship match takes place on February 6, 2026, at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
Who are the defending champions?
Australia won the 2024 tournament by defeating India in the final and enter seeking consecutive titles.
Which venues are hosting matches?
Five venues total: three in Zimbabwe (Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, Queens Sports Club) and two in Namibia (Namibia Cricket Ground, High Performance Oval).
How can I watch the tournament?
ICC’s digital platforms provide global coverage, with regional broadcasters offering local commentary and analysis.
Conclusion
The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 represents cricket’s future taking center stage across Zimbabwe and Namibia. With defending champions Australia seeking consecutive titles, hosts Zimbabwe hoping for home glory, and 14 other nations pursuing cricket’s most prestigious youth prize, the tournament promises 23 days of unforgettable action.
From Tanzania’s historic debut to India’s sixth title bid, from Japan’s global expansion story to Pakistan’s championship momentum, every match carries significance beyond the scorecard. These are cricket’s future superstars announcing themselves to the world.
Mark your calendars: January 15 to February 6, 2026. Cricket’s next generation awaits their moment of glory.
