The United Arab Emirates have officially claimed the final berth at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating Japan in style during the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman.
Their qualification completes the 20-team lineup for next year’s global showpiece — to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 6 to March 7, 2026.
UAE Complete Redemption Story
After narrowly missing out on the 2024 edition, Muhammad Waseem’s UAE bounced back stronger, playing fearless cricket throughout the qualifiers.
In their decisive clash against Japan, the Emirati bowlers were ruthless. Haider Ali starred with figures of 3/12, while Muhammad Farooq’s direct-hit run-out set the tone early. Japan’s Wataru Miyauchi resisted bravely with 45 not out, but the total of 116 was never enough.
Openers Alishan Sharafu (46 off 27) and Muhammad Waseem (42 off 26) made light work of the chase, sealing victory inside 13 overs — a fitting finish to UAE’s qualification journey.
“This is a proud moment for UAE cricket. We’ve been working for this since our 2024 heartbreak, and now we’re ready to take on the world,”
said skipper Muhammad Waseem after the match.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – All Qualified Teams
Below is the complete list of 20 teams confirmed for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | Tournament Host |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | Tournament Host |
| 🇦🇫 Afghanistan | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| 🏴 England | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| 🌴 West Indies | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Americas Qualifier |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Europe Qualifier |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Europe Qualifier |
| 🇳🇦 Namibia | Africa Qualifier |
| 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | Africa Qualifier |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier |
| 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier |
What Awaits in India and Sri Lanka
The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature four groups of five teams, with the top two from each progressing to the Super 8 stage. From there, the best four will advance to the semi-finals, followed by the grand final in early March.
The tournament promises thrilling rivalries — from India vs Pakistan and Australia vs England to the rise of new contenders like Italy, Nepal, and UAE — all aiming to etch their names in history.
The Bigger Picture
With UAE’s qualification, the 2026 T20 World Cup field is now complete. The blend of powerhouses and new challengers underlines cricket’s rapid global growth.
For UAE, this qualification marks redemption and revival, showcasing their growing strength and hunger to compete at the world’s highest level.
As the countdown begins, all eyes now turn toward India and Sri Lanka, where 20 nations will chase one dream — to lift the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy.
