The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its final, thrilling chapter in Oman, where nine teams from Asia and the East Asia-Pacific regions battle for the last three tickets to next year’s mega event in India and Sri Lanka.
It’s the final qualifying hurdle before the world’s biggest T20 show begins, and the atmosphere in Al-Amarat is already electric. From the rising stars of Nepal and Oman to the spirited challengers from Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa, every team arrives with the same dream — to see their flag flying on the global stage next June.
The last gateway to the World Cup
The Asia–East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier 2025 is a special event — the only one combining two regions — bringing together a diverse field that stretches 16,000 kilometers, from Samoa in the Pacific to Kuwait in the Gulf.
Nine sides — Nepal, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, Papua New Guinea, Japan, and Samoa — will compete in three groups at the Al-Amarat Cricket Stadium from October 8–17.
Tournament groups:
- Group A: Malaysia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
- Group B: Japan, Kuwait, Nepal
- Group C: Oman, Papua New Guinea, Samoa
The top two teams from each group progress to the Super Six stage, carrying forward their earlier points. When the dust settles, the top three nations will officially qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 — completing the 20-team lineup.
Nepal headline a high-voltage field
Few teams enter with as much buzz as Nepal, who stunned the cricket world recently by beating West Indies 2–1 in a T20I series in the UAE. Led by Rohit Paudel, with Kushal Bhurtel and Sandeep Lamichhane leading a well-balanced squad, Nepal look ready to book their ticket to India and Sri Lanka.
Oman, playing at home, are determined to make the most of familiar conditions. Captain Aqib Ilyas will bank on local experience and crowd support to return to the world stage after missing out in 2024.
From the Pacific, Papua New Guinea bring firepower and flair under Assad Vala, while young spinner John Kariko adds X-factor to their bowling.
Samoa, meanwhile, have become the story of the qualifier. They shocked the region by topping their sub-regional event in Apia — and the inclusion of Ross Taylor, the former New Zealand great representing his mother’s homeland, adds both experience and intrigue.
The UAE, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, and Japan complete a line-up rich in talent and ambition. The UAE arrive unbeaten from the sub-regional stage, while Kuwait — a fast-rising Gulf side — could be this tournament’s dark horse.
A stage set for drama
All matches will be streamed live and free on ICC.tv (and on FanCode in select Asian regions), ensuring global fans can follow every twist and upset.
For teams like Nepal and Oman, qualification would reinforce their growth as consistent forces in Associate cricket. For Japan or Samoa, it would mean a historic first appearance at a T20 World Cup.
With 17 teams already qualified, including Namibia, who recently secured Africa’s first spot by beating Tanzania, this Oman event will finalize the 20-team roster for next year’s tournament — the largest T20 World Cup ever.
Road to India and Sri Lanka
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature 20 nations — a blend of established giants and passionate emerging teams. This is the last stop of a qualification journey that began months ago across continents, and for these nine sides, everything comes down to the next ten days.
The desert air of Al-Amarat will carry dreams, pressure, and hope in equal measure — because for these teams, the world stage is now just three wins away.
