As the dust settles from the dramatic 2024 edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, the road to the 2026 tournament is fast taking shape. With 15 teams already confirmed, attention now shifts to two remaining regional finals, where five teams will book their place in the most expansive T20 World Cup yet.
Set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the 2026 T20 World Cup will once again feature 20 teams across 55 matches. The format remains unchanged — four groups of five teams will feed into two Super Eight groups, followed by semi-finals and a final.
15 Teams Already Confirmed
Automatic qualification was granted to co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, as well as the top-performing sides from the 2024 edition. The rest of the direct entries were based on ICC Men’s T20I Rankings as of June 30, 2024. Regional qualifiers have now added three more names to the list.
Here are the teams that have already sealed their spots:
- India (Host)
- Sri Lanka (Host)
- Afghanistan (Super Eights, 2024)
- Australia (Super Eights, 2024)
- Bangladesh (Super Eights, 2024)
- England (Super Eights, 2024)
- South Africa (Super Eights, 2024)
- West Indies (Super Eights, 2024)
- USA (Super Eights, 2024)
- Pakistan (ICC Ranking)
- New Zealand (ICC Ranking)
- Ireland (ICC Ranking)
- Canada (Americas Regional Qualifier)
- Netherlands (Europe Regional Qualifier)
- Italy (Europe Regional Qualifier – first ever qualification)
5 Spots Still Up for Grabs
The qualification journey isn’t over just yet. Two more regional qualifiers will decide the final five teams in 2025 — one in Africa and another combining teams from Asia and East Asia-Pacific (EAP). Each region will send their top performers into the 2026 World Cup fray.
Africa Regional Final
📅 September 19 – October 4, 2025
🎟️ Qualification Spots: 2
🌍 Teams Involved: Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Nigeria, Botswana, Malawi
Africa remains one of the most competitive regions. Zimbabwe, after a poor 2024 cycle, will aim to reclaim their spot on home soil. However, Uganda — who stunned PNG at the 2024 World Cup — and Namibia are strong contenders. Kenya, once a World Cup semi-finalist, also seeks revival.
Asia / East Asia-Pacific Regional Final
📅 October 1 – October 17, 2025
🎟️ Qualification Spots: 3
🌏 Teams Involved: Nepal, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Japan, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Kuwait, Samoa
This combined regional final features nine diverse nations from both Asia and the Pacific. Nepal and Oman carry T20 World Cup experience, while PNG, UAE, and Malaysia are regular contenders. Samoa and Japan, who advanced through their respective sub-regional events, bring an exciting wildcard element to the contest.
With three spots available, this qualifier promises intense battles and possible upsets.
Quick Snapshot: Remaining Regional Finals
| Region | Dates | Spots | Notable Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | Sep 19 – Oct 4, 2025 | 2 | Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia, Kenya |
| Asia + EAP | Oct 1 – Oct 17, 2025 | 3 | Nepal, Oman, PNG, UAE, Japan, Samoa |
Looking Ahead
With Italy making history and Canada returning to the global stage, the expanded format of the 2026 T20 World Cup is already delivering storylines that reflect the growing depth of the sport. As the qualification race heads into its final stretch, the stage is set for dramatic finishes across Africa and Asia-Pacific.
Whether it’s redemption for fallen giants or fresh blood breaking through, the last five tickets to T20 cricket’s biggest stage are still up for grabs — and every ball will count.
