ISLAMABAD: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be the largest and most diverse edition of the tournament to date, with 12 teams, up from the previous 10, set to battle across seven English venues from June 12 to July 5.
Hosts England will kick off the action at Edgbaston on June 12 against Sri Lanka, with the final scheduled for the home of cricket, Lord’s, on July 5. The expanded format features two groups of six, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals at The Oval on June 30 and July 2.
A look at the qualification route of the 12 participating teams at Women’s #T20WorldCup commencing on June 12 👇https://t.co/eqLCZUP9Ik
— ICC (@ICC) May 18, 2026
How the 12 teams qualified
England secured automatic qualification as hosts, though the 2009 winners would also have made the cut via their world ranking. Five teams, defending champions New Zealand, along with Australia, India, South Africa and the West Indies, earned their spots through their performances at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka and Pakistan joined them via world rankings.
The remaining four places were decided at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Nepal (January 18–February 1).
Bangladesh remained unbeaten to top the table, with Sobhana Mostary (262 runs at 52.40) named Player of the Tournament.
The Netherlands became first-time qualifiers, celebrating their spot with a dramatic 21-run DLS victory over the USA.
Ireland secured their fifth World Cup appearance, led by captain Gaby Lewis (276 runs, competition-high) and Arlene Kelly (13 wickets, including 4 for 7 against Thailand).
Scotland returned for a second time after a 41-run win over the USA, with Kathryn Bryce taking 12 wickets.
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Group stage draw
- Group 1: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa
- Group 2: England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Warm-up matches will be held at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, Derby County Ground, and Loughborough University.
7⃣ stadiums gear up for the #T20WorldCup 🤩
A guide to the venues that will be hosting the global event from June 12 🏟️https://t.co/BhjmpqWDt1
— ICC (@ICC) May 19, 2026
Venues at a glance
Edgbaston, Birmingham – Tournament opener (England vs Sri Lanka, June 12); India vs Pakistan (June 14); Netherlands vs Bangladesh (June 14).
Old Trafford, Manchester – Australia vs South Africa (June 13); India vs South Africa (June 21).
Headingley, Leeds – England vs Scotland (June 20); Australia vs Bangladesh (June 17); Australia vs Pakistan (June 23).
Hampshire Bowl, Southampton – New Zealand vs West Indies (June 13); New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (June 16); England vs Ireland (June 16).
Bristol County Ground – West Indies vs Sri Lanka (June 21); South Africa vs Netherlands (June 25); Netherlands vs Pakistan (June 27).
The Oval, London – Both semi-finals (June 30 & July 2); New Zealand vs England (June 27).
Lord’s, London – Final (July 5); England vs West Indies (June 24); South Africa vs Bangladesh & Australia vs India (June 28 double header).
The stage is set. History awaits.
