T20 World Cup 2026: Full Format, Groups and Match Schedule Announced for India–Sri Lanka Tournament

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will run from February 7 to March 8, with 20 teams competing across 54 matches in India and Sri Lanka.
Teams and Groups
The tournament features four groups of five teams. Bangladesh was removed and replaced by Scotland following a participation dispute.
Group A: India, Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia, USA
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Oman, Zimbabwe
Group C: England, West Indies, Scotland, Nepal, Italy
Group D: Afghanistan, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, UAE
Tournament Format
The top two teams from each group advance to the Super 8 stage, split into two groups of four.
The top two from the Super 8 qualify for the semifinals, followed by the final.
Key dates:
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Group stage: February 7–20
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Super 8: February 21–March 1
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Semifinals: March 4–5
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Final: March 8
Venues
India: New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai
Sri Lanka: Colombo (R Premadasa & SSC), Kandy
One semifinal and the final may shift between India and Sri Lanka depending on qualification.
Highlights from Group Stage
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Opening day features Pakistan vs Netherlands, West Indies vs Scotland, and India vs USA
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Blockbuster clash: India vs Pakistan – February 15 in Colombo
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Heavyweights including England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are spread across prime evening fixtures
Knockouts
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Semifinal 1: March 4 – Kolkata or Colombo
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Semifinal 2: March 5 – Mumbai
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Final: March 8 – Ahmedabad or Colombo





