The 16th edition of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will showcase the finest up-and-coming talent from the participating sides, and will be played from 15 January to 6 February in 2026. The last edition of the tournament was played in 2024.
The tournament format remains the same as in previous iterations, with 16 teams divided into groups of four in the first stage. 41 matches will be played in the tournament over 23 days.
The opening day of the 16-team tournament sees India take on USA, Zimbabwe go up against Scotland, whereas Tanzania take on the West Indies.
This will be Tanzania’s tournament debut, whereas Japan, who had previously featured in the 2020 edition, also return.
This will be followed by the Super Six phase, wherein the top three ranked sides from the aforementioned groups will be divided into two groups of six.
The knockout stage will follow, comprising two semi-finals and a final. Reserve days are available for these three games.
Harare Sports Club (Harare, Zimbabwe), Takashinga Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe), Namibia Cricket Ground (Windhoek, Namibia), and HP Oval (Windhoek) will host the event.
ICC Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, said he was looking forward to the tournament, which will see the future stars of world cricket on display.
“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket. This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.
“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams. I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”
