U19 World Cup 2026: Groups, Schedule, Squads & Preview
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are set to make history by jointly hosting the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2026. The tournament, featuring 16 teams, will crown the next champion of youth cricket.
Key Details at a Glance
- Dates: January 17 to February 9, 2026.
- Format: 16 teams in 4 groups. Top 3 from each group advance to Super Six, followed by knockouts.
- Defending Champions: India, who won the 2024 title.
- First Joint Hosts: Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
U19 World Cup 2026 Groups
The teams have been divided into four competitive groups:
- Group A: Sri Lanka, Australia, West Indies, Namibia
- Group B: India, England, South Africa, Scotland
- Group C: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, New Zealand, Nepal
- Group D: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, USA
Tournament Schedule & Key Fixtures
The tournament kicks off on January 17, 2026, in Colombo with hosts Sri Lanka facing the West Indies. The final is scheduled for February 9 in Colombo.
Notable Group Stage Matches:
- Jan 17: Sri Lanka vs West Indies (Colombo)
- Jan 18: India vs England (Kandy) – A marquee clash early on.
- Jan 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Harare)
- Jan 20: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh (Colombo)
Knockout Stages:
- Super Six: January 27 – February 3
- Semi-finals: February 5 & 6
- Final: February 9 (Colombo)
Team Squads (To Be Announced)
The squads for all 16 participating nations are yet to be finalized. They will be updated here as the respective cricket boards make their announcements. The teams are: India, Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, Nepal, USA, Scotland, and Namibia.
Tournament Preview & What to Expect
India enters as the firm favourite and defending champion, but faces stiff competition. Traditional powerhouses like Australia, England, and Pakistan, along with the host nations, will be determined to dethrone them.
This World Cup is more than just a trophy; it’s a proven launchpad for future international stars. The unique challenge of adapting to conditions in both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will test the mettle of every young player, making for a compelling contest.
With the groups and schedule now public, fans can mark their calendars for a thrilling display of emerging cricketing talent in early 2026.
