Key points
- Tournament scheduled January–February 2026
- Namibia and Zimbabwe to host
- Sixteen teams divided into four groups
DUBAI: All 16 participating teams have finalised their squads for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, setting the stage for the prestigious youth tournament scheduled to be held from 15 January to 6 February in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The 16th edition of the tournament will follow the established format, with 16 teams divided into four groups. The competition will feature 41 matches, including a Super Six stage, semi-finals and the final, as the world’s top young cricketers compete for the title.
Group A features the tournament’s most successful side, India, five-time champions, alongside Bangladesh, winners in 2020, New Zealand, and the United States, making it one of the most competitive groups.
Group B includes co-hosts Zimbabwe, along with Pakistan, England, and Scotland. The group promises several high-profile contests, particularly with Pakistan and England both fielding strong squads and Zimbabwe enjoying home conditions.
Defending champions
Defending champions Australia headline Group C, where they will take on Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Japan. Australia will be aiming to retain their title, while Sri Lanka and Ireland look to challenge with balanced line-ups.
Group D comprises South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Tanzania, rounding off a diverse group stage that features teams from across all cricketing regions.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe, marking another milestone for cricket development in Africa. Matches will be played across multiple venues, with organisers expecting strong local support and global viewership.
The ICC has described the U19 World Cup as a key platform for identifying future international stars, with many former participants having gone on to represent their countries at senior level.
With squads now confirmed and preparations complete, attention turns to the opening matches as teams look to make a strong start in pursuit of youth cricket’s biggest prize.
