The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will showcase the next generation of cricket talent when 16 teams compete across Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
This marks the 16th edition of cricket’s premier youth tournament, where future international stars first make their mark on the global stage.
Australia enters as defending champions after their 2024 victory over India. However, with squads finalized and groups announced, this tournament promises intense competition as young cricketers from around the world battle for cricket’s most prestigious youth title.
Here’s your complete guide to all participating teams, their squad compositions, and what to expect from this exciting tournament.
Tournament Overview
Format and Structure
The tournament follows a familiar format designed to provide maximum competitive cricket:
- Group Stage: 16 teams divided into 4 groups of 4 teams each
- Super Six: Top 3 teams from each group advance (12 teams total)
- Knockouts: Semi-finals followed by the final
- Total Matches: 41 matches across the tournament
Venues and Schedule
Zimbabwe Venues:
- Harare Sports Club
- Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Namibia Venues:
- Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- High Performance Oval, Windhoek
All matches start at 9:30 AM local time. Zimbabwe will host 25 matches including both semi-finals and the final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club.
Complete Team Squads by Group
Group A: India, Bangladesh, USA, New Zealand
India U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Ayush Mhatre | Batsman |
| R.S. Ambrish | All-rounder | |
| Kanishk Chouhan | Batsman | |
| D. Deepesh | Wicket-keeper | |
| Mohamed Enaan | All-rounder | |
| Aaron George | All-rounder | |
| Abhigyan Kundu | All-rounder | |
| Kishan Kumar Singh | Bowler | |
| Vihaan Malhotra | Batsman | |
| Udhav Mohan | Wicket-keeper | |
| Henil Patel | Bowler | |
| Khilan A. Patel | Bowler | |
| Harvansh Singh | All-rounder | |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Batsman | |
| Vedant Trivedi | Bowler |
Key Facts:
- India has won the U19 World Cup five times (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022) – more than any other nation
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the youngest player ever selected for India’s U19 squad at 15 years old
- India reached the final in 2024 but lost to Australia by 79 runs
- The 2008 U19 World Cup winning team was captained by Virat Kohli
- India’s U19 program has produced numerous international stars including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Prithvi Shaw
Bangladesh U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Azizul Hakim Tamim | Batsman |
| Zawad Abrar | All-rounder | |
| Samiun Basir Ratul | Batsman | |
| Sheikh Parvez Jibon | Bowler | |
| Rizan Hossan | Batsman | |
| Shaharia Al Amin | Bowler | |
| Shadin Islam | All-rounder | |
| Md Abdullah | Wicket-keeper | |
| Farid Hasan Faysal | Bowler | |
| Kalam Siddiki Aleen | Batsman | |
| Rifat Beg | All-rounder | |
| Saad Islam Razin | Bowler | |
| Al Fahad | Batsman | |
| Shahriar Ahmed | All-rounder | |
| Iqbal Hossain | Bowler |
Key Facts:
- Bangladesh won their first and only U19 World Cup in 2020, defeating India in the final
- This was Bangladesh’s first ICC title at any level across all formats
- The 2020 victory was achieved under the captaincy of Akbar Ali
- Bangladesh has participated in every U19 World Cup since 2002
- Several players from their 2020 winning squad have graduated to senior cricket
New Zealand U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Tom Jones | All-rounder |
| Marco Alpe | Batsman | |
| Hugo Bogue | Bowler | |
| Harry Burns | All-rounder | |
| Mason Clarke | Wicket-keeper | |
| Jacob Cotter | Bowler | |
| Aryan Mann | Batsman | |
| Brandon Matzopoulos | All-rounder | |
| Flynn Morey | Bowler | |
| Snehith Reddy | Batsman | |
| Callum Samson | All-rounder | |
| Jaskaran Sandhu | Bowler | |
| Selwin Sanjay | Batsman | |
| Hunter Shore | All-rounder | |
| Luke Harrison | Bowler |
Key Facts:
- New Zealand has never won the U19 World Cup but consistently produces competitive teams
- Their best performance was reaching the semi-finals in 2018
- The program has developed stars like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee
- New Zealand is known for punching above their weight in youth cricket
- They have qualified for every U19 World Cup since 1998
USA U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Squad details | To be confirmed |
Key Facts:
- USA is participating in their third U19 World Cup (also played in 2012 and 2020)
- Cricket is experiencing significant growth in North America
- The team represents the development of cricket infrastructure in the United States
- Many players come from diverse cricket backgrounds including expatriate communities
- USA cricket has received substantial investment to develop the sport domestically
Group B: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland
Zimbabwe U19 Squad (Tournament Hosts)
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Simbarashe Mudzengerere | All-rounder |
| Kian Blignaut | All-rounder | |
| Michael Blignaut | Batsman | |
| Leeroy Chiwaula | Bowler | |
| Tatenda Chimugoro | All-rounder | |
| Brendon Senzere | Wicket-keeper | |
| Nathaniel Hlabangana | Bowler | |
| Takudzwa Makoni | Batsman | |
| Panashe Mazai | All-rounder | |
| Webster Madhidhi | Bowler | |
| Shelton Mazvitorera | All-rounder | |
| Kupakwashe Muradzi | Batsman | |
| Brandon Ndiweni | Bowler | |
| Dhruv Patel | All-rounder | |
| Benny Zuze | Wicket-keeper |
Key Facts:
- Zimbabwe has participated in all U19 World Cups except the inaugural 1988 tournament
- Their best performance was reaching the semi-finals in 2006
- Zimbabwe is co-hosting the tournament for the first time alongside Namibia
- Former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu serves as tournament ambassador
- The team will benefit from home conditions and passionate local support
Pakistan U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Farhan Yousaf | All-rounder |
| Vice-Captain | Usman Khan | Batsman |
| Abdul Subhan | Bowler | |
| Ahmed Hussain | All-rounder | |
| Ali Hasan Baloch | Batsman | |
| Ali Raza | Bowler | |
| Daniyal Ali Khan | All-rounder | |
| Hamza Zahoor | Wicket-keeper | |
| Huzaifa Ahsan | Batsman | |
| Momin Qamar | All-rounder | |
| Mohammad Sayyam | Bowler | |
| Mohammad Shayan | Wicket-keeper | |
| Niqab Shafiq | Batsman | |
| Sameer Minhas | All-rounder | |
| Umar Zaib | Bowler |
Reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Mohammad Huzaifa
Key Facts:
- Pakistan won back-to-back U19 World Cup titles in 2004 and 2006 – the only team to achieve this feat
- They are two-time champions and have reached five finals overall
- The 2006 winning team was captained by Sarfaraz Ahmed, who later led Pakistan to Champions Trophy victory
- Pakistan recently won the U19 Asia Cup, demonstrating strong current form
- Their program has consistently produced international stars including Babar Azam and Shadab Khan
England U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Thomas Rew | Batsman |
| Farhan Ahmed | Bowler | |
| Ralphie Albert | All-rounder | |
| Will Bennison | Batsman | |
| Ben Dawkins | All-rounder | |
| Caleb Falconer | Bowler | |
| Ali Farooq | All-rounder | |
| Alex French | Batsman | |
| Alex Green | Wicket-keeper | |
| Luke Hands | All-rounder | |
| Manny Lumsden | Bowler | |
| Ben Mayes | Batsman | |
| James Minto | All-rounder | |
| Joe Moores | Bowler | |
| Sebastian Morgan | All-rounder |
Key Facts:
- England won their only U19 World Cup title in 1998 under captain Owais Shah
- They reached the final in 2022 but lost to India in Antigua
- The 1998 winning team included future stars Graeme Swann and Rob Key
- England has been one of only five ever-present teams in tournament history
- They fell at the Super 6 stage in the 2024 tournament
Scotland U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Thomas Knight | All-rounder |
| Finlay Carter | Batsman | |
| Max Chaplin | All-rounder | |
| George Cutler | Bowler | |
| Rory Grant | Batsman | |
| Finlay Jones | Bowler | |
| Ollie Jones | All-rounder | |
| Olly Pillinger | Batsman | |
| Ethan Ramsay | Bowler | |
| Theo Robinson | All-rounder | |
| Manu Saraswat | Batsman | |
| Ram Sharma | All-rounder | |
| Shreyas Tekale | Bowler | |
| Shlok Thaker | All-rounder | |
| Jake Woodhouse | Bowler |
Key Facts:
- Scotland qualified by winning the Europe Qualifier tournament in August 2025
- They topped the qualification table with a perfect five wins from five matches
- Scotland has participated in 11 U19 World Cups, appearing in seven of the last eight editions
- They qualified on home soil with a decisive 20-run victory over the Netherlands
- Finlay Jones was instrumental in qualification, taking 4 for 41 in the crucial final match
Group C: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
Australia U19 Squad (Defending Champions)
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Oliver Peake | Batsman |
| Kasey Barton | All-rounder | |
| Naden Cooray | Batsman | |
| Jayden Draper | Bowler | |
| Ben Gordon | All-rounder | |
| Steven Hogan | Batsman | |
| Thomas Hogan | All-rounder | |
| John James | Bowler | |
| Charles Lachmund | Batsman | |
| Will Malajczuk | All-rounder | |
| Nitesh Samuel | Bowler | |
| Hayden Schiller | Batsman | |
| Aryan Sharma | All-rounder | |
| William Taylor | Bowler | |
| Alex Lee Young | All-rounder |
Key Facts:
- Australia are four-time U19 World Cup champions (1988, 2002, 2010, 2024)
- They defeated India by 79 runs in the 2024 final to claim their most recent title
- Australia is the current defending champion entering the 2026 tournament
- Their U19 program has produced numerous international stars including Steve Smith and Pat Cummins
- They have never missed a U19 World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1988
Ireland U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Olly Riley | All-rounder |
| Reuben Wilson | Bowler | |
| Alex Armstrong | Batsman | |
| Callum Armstrong | All-rounder | |
| Marko Bates | Batsman | |
| Sebastian Dijkstra | Bowler | |
| Thomas Ford | All-rounder | |
| Samuel Haslett | Batsman | |
| Adam Leckey | All-rounder | |
| Febin Manoj | Bowler | |
| Luke Murray | All-rounder | |
| Robert O’Brien | Batsman | |
| Freddie Ogilby | Bowler | |
| James West | All-rounder | |
| Bruce Whaley | Batsman |
Non-Travelling Reserves: Peter le Roux, William Shields
Key Facts:
- Ireland was the first team to announce their squad for the 2026 tournament on December 1, 2025
- They have participated in multiple U19 World Cups as part of cricket’s global expansion
- Ireland’s senior cricket team achieved Test status in 2017, boosting youth development
- The team represents the growth of cricket infrastructure in European nations
- Ireland cricket has invested heavily in youth development programs in recent years
Japan U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Kazuma Kato-Stafford | All-rounder |
| Charles Hara-Hinze | Batsman | |
| Gabriel Hara-Hinze | All-rounder | |
| Montgomery Hara-Hinze | Bowler | |
| Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett | Batsman | |
| Timothy Moore | All-rounder | |
| Skyler Nakayama-Cook | Wicket-keeper | |
| Ryuki Ozeki | Bowler | |
| Nihar Parmar | All-rounder | |
| Nikhil Pol | Batsman | |
| Chihaya Sekine | Bowler | |
| Hugo Tani-Kelly | All-rounder | |
| Sandev Aaryan Waduge | Batsman | |
| Kai Wall | Bowler | |
| Taylor Waugh | All-rounder |
Key Facts:
- Japan previously participated in the 2020 U19 World Cup, gaining valuable tournament experience
- Their squad features several players with multi-cultural backgrounds, reflecting cricket’s diversity
- Japan represents cricket’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region beyond traditional strongholds
- The team’s participation demonstrates the ICC’s commitment to global cricket development
- Japan cricket has been working to establish stronger domestic structures and youth programs
Sri Lanka U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Squad details | To be confirmed |
Key Facts:
- Sri Lanka has a proud history in U19 cricket, having participated in multiple tournaments
- They have consistently produced talented players who transition to senior international cricket
- Sri Lanka’s cricket infrastructure provides strong support for youth development
- The island nation has a passionate cricket following that extends to youth cricket
- Several former U19 players have become Sri Lankan international stars
Group D: Tanzania, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa
South Africa U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Muhammad Bulbulia | All-rounder |
| JJ Basson | Batsman | |
| Daniel Bosman | All-rounder | |
| Corne Botha | Bowler | |
| Paul James | Batsman | |
| Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu | All-rounder | |
| Michael Kruiskamp | Bowler | |
| Adnaan Lagadien | Batsman | |
| Bayanda Majola | All-rounder | |
| Armaan Manack | Bowler | |
| Bandile Mbatha | All-rounder | |
| Lethabo Phahlamohlaka | Batsman | |
| Jason Rowles | Bowler | |
| Ntandoyenkosi Soni | All-rounder | |
| Jorich van Schalkwyk | Batsman |
Key Facts:
- South Africa won the U19 World Cup in 2014, defeating Pakistan in the final
- Their U19 program has produced international stars including Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram
- South Africa has participated in every U19 World Cup since 1998
- The 2014 victory was their first U19 World Cup title after several near misses
- South Africa’s cricket development system is renowned for producing fast bowlers and aggressive batsmen
West Indies U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Joshua Dorne | Batsman |
| Jewel Andrew | All-rounder | |
| Shamar Apple | Bowler | |
| Shaquan Belle | Batsman | |
| Zachary Carter | All-rounder | |
| Tanez Francis | Bowler | |
| R’jai Gittens | Batsman | |
| Vitel Lawes | All-rounder | |
| Micah McKenzie | Bowler | |
| Matthew Miller | Batsman | |
| Isra-el Morton | All-rounder | |
| Jakeem Pollard | Bowler | |
| Aadian Racha | All-rounder | |
| Kunal Tilokani | Batsman | |
| Jonathan Van Lange | Bowler |
Reserves: Brendan Boodoo, Tyriek Bryan, Earsinho Fontaine, Deshawn James
Key Facts:
- West Indies won the U19 World Cup in 2016, defeating India in the final
- Jewel Andrew has already played three ODIs and five T20Is for the senior West Indies team
- The Caribbean region has a rich tradition of producing exciting young cricketers
- West Indies cricket focuses on developing aggressive, entertaining players
- The 2016 victory was their first U19 World Cup title after previous appearances
Afghanistan U19 Squad
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Mahboob Khan | All-rounder |
| Khalid Ahmadzai | Batsman | |
| Osman Sadat | All-rounder | |
| Faisal Khan | Bowler | |
| Uzairullah Niazai | Batsman | |
| Aziz Mia Khil | All-rounder | |
| Nazif Amiri | Bowler | |
| Khatir Stanikzai | All-rounder | |
| Nooristani | Batsman | |
| Abdul Aziz | Bowler | |
| Salam Khan | All-rounder | |
| Wahid Zadran | Batsman | |
| Zaitullah Shaheen | Bowler | |
| Rohullah Arab | All-rounder | |
| Hafieez Zadran | Batsman |
Reserves: Aqil Khan, Fahim Qasemi, Izat Noor
Key Facts:
- Afghanistan’s cricket growth story continues with their youth development programs
- They have quickly established themselves as competitive in international youth cricket
- Afghanistan’s senior team success has inspired strong investment in youth cricket
- The team represents one of cricket’s most remarkable development success stories
- Afghanistan has consistently produced spinners and aggressive batsmen through their youth system
Tanzania U19 Squad (Tournament Debutants)
| Position | Player Name | Role |
| Captain | Laksh Bakrania | All-rounder |
| Karim Kiseto | Batsman | |
| Hamza Ally | All-rounder | |
| Khalidy Amiri | Bowler | |
| Abdulazak Mohamedi | Batsman | |
| Ayaan Shariff | All-rounder | |
| Omary Ramadhani | Bowler | |
| Dylan Thakrar | All-rounder | |
| Agustino Mwamele | Batsman | |
| Ally Hafidhi | Bowler | |
| Acrey Pascal | Wicket-keeper | |
| Darpan Jobanputra | All-rounder | |
| Mohammedi Simba | Batsman | |
| Raymond Francis | Bowler | |
| Alfred Daniel | All-rounder |
Key Facts:
- Tanzania is making their U19 World Cup debut in 2026
- This represents a historic moment for East African cricket development
- The team qualified through regional competitions, demonstrating growing cricket standards
- Tanzania’s participation showcases the ICC’s commitment to global cricket expansion
- Every match will be a learning experience as they compete against established cricket nations
Tournament Favorites & Dark Horses
Top Title Contenders
- India: Five-time champions with strong domestic cricket structures. Their squad features exciting young talent including record-breaker Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- Australia: Defending champions with proven tournament experience. Four previous titles demonstrate their ability to perform when it matters most.
- Pakistan: Recent U19 Asia Cup champions with a history of producing exceptional youth teams. Only nation to win consecutive titles.
- England: Strong cricket development pathways and recent final appearance in 2022 shows continued competitiveness at this level.
Teams to Watch
- South Africa: Traditional cricket powerhouse with excellent youth development programs that have produced numerous international stars.
- Bangladesh: 2020 champions who claimed their first ICC title at any level. Demonstrates the growth of cricket in the subcontinent.
- Zimbabwe: Home advantage cannot be underestimated. Passionate local support and familiar conditions could fuel a memorable campaign.
Tournament Debutants and Developing Nations
- Tanzania: Their debut represents cricket’s continued expansion in Africa. Every match will be a learning experience.
- Japan: Continues their cricket development journey with participation representing growth in Asia-Pacific region.
- USA: Part of cricket’s expansion into North America, building on recent growth in American cricket.
Key Tournament Dates
Group Stage Schedule
Opening Day – January 15, 2026:
- USA vs India (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo)
- Zimbabwe vs Scotland (Takashinga Sports Club, Harare)
- Tanzania vs West Indies (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)
Notable Early Matches:
- January 16: Pakistan vs England, Australia vs Ireland, Afghanistan vs South Africa
- January 17: India vs Bangladesh, Japan vs Sri Lanka
- January 22: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan (hosts vs Asia Cup champions)
- January 24: India vs New Zealand (Group A decider potential)
Tournament Progression
- Super Six Stage: January 25-31, 2026
- Semi-finals: February 3 & 4, 2026 (Queens Sports Club & Harare Sports Club)
- Final: February 6, 2026 (Harare Sports Club)
How to Watch
Global Coverage
- ICC Digital Platform: Comprehensive coverage with live streaming available globally through ICC’s official digital channels.
- Regional Broadcasters: Coverage varies by region with dedicated cricket broadcasters providing extensive tournament coverage.
Timing Information
All matches start at 9:30 AM local time (Zimbabwe/Namibia), which translates to:
- India: 1:00 PM IST
- UK: 7:30 AM GMT
- Australia: 6:30 PM AEDT (previous day)
- Pakistan: 12:30 PM PKT
Digital Coverage
- ICC Official App: Live scores, highlights, and tournament news
- ESPN Cricinfo: Detailed scorecards and analysis
- Social Media: ICC’s official channels provide regular updates and highlights
Tournament History & Legacy
Previous Champions
- Most Titles: India (5 championships – 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022)
- Australia: 4 titles (1988, 2002, 2010, 2024)
- Pakistan: 2 titles (2004, 2006) – only back-to-back winners
- Other Winners: West Indies (2016), South Africa (2014), Bangladesh (2020), England (1998)
Star Alumni
The U19 World Cup has launched countless international careers:
- Virat Kohli (India 2008 captain)
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
- Steve Smith (Australia)
- Shubman Gill (India)
- Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
- Mushfiqur Rahim<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> (Bangladesh)
Tournament Significance
This tournament serves as cricket’s premier talent identification platform. Many players who excel here go on to represent their countries at senior level within a few years.
The tournament’s format mirrors senior cricket, providing young players with experience of high-pressure international competition.
What Makes This Tournament Special
African Cricket Development
Zimbabwe and Namibia co-hosting showcases cricket’s growth across Africa. Tanzania’s debut adds another chapter to the continent’s cricket story, following in the footsteps of other developing cricket nations.
Global Expansion
Teams like Japan and USA represent cricket’s worldwide growth beyond traditional strongholds. Their participation demonstrates the sport’s increasing global appeal.
Future Star Power
With squads featuring players as young as 15 (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi), this tournament offers a glimpse into cricket’s future. Many of these players will be competing in senior World Cups within the next decade.
Competitive Balance
Unlike some senior tournaments, the U19 World Cup regularly produces surprises. Bangladesh’s 2020 triumph and various upset results over the years prove that any team can achieve glory with the right preparation and execution.
FAQs
How many teams participate in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026?
Sixteen teams compete in the tournament, representing cricket’s global reach from traditional powerhouses to emerging cricket nations.
Which teams automatically qualified?
The top ten teams from the 2024 tournament gained automatic qualification, along with hosts Zimbabwe. The remaining five spots were filled through regional qualification tournaments.
What is the tournament format?
Four groups of four teams each play a round-robin format. The top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semi-finals and the final.
When and where is the final?
The final 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 as defending champions.
Which player holds the record as youngest participant?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from India, at 15 years old, is the youngest player in the 2026 tournament and the youngest ever to represent India at U19 level.
Final Thoughts
The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 promises to be a showcase of cricket’s brightest young talent. With defending champions Australia seeking consecutive titles, hosts Zimbabwe hoping for home glory, and emerging nations like Tanzania making their debut, the tournament offers compelling storylines and the chance to witness future cricket superstars in action.
From January 15 to February 6, cricket fans worldwide will have the opportunity to see the next generation of international cricketers compete for sport’s most prestigious youth title across the beautiful venues of Zimbabwe and Namibia.
