By Sumavaya Iqbal 
The International Cricket Council has officially released the complete schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated youth tournaments in world cricket. The event will run from 15 January to 6 February 2026, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia across five international-standard venues.
A total of sixteen teams will contest 41 matches over 23 days, culminating in the final at Harare Sports Club. The opening day brings immediate excitement as India face the USA, Zimbabwe meet Scotland and Tanzania make their historic debut against the West Indies. The group-stage fixtures will take place in Harare, Takashinga, Bulawayo, Windhoek and the HP Oval in Namibia.
The tournament format features four groups of four, followed by the Super Six stage, where the top teams move forward to compete for a place in the semi-finals. This structure ensures a balance between competitive cricket and developmental exposure, giving emerging players the chance to perform on a global platform.
Defending champions Australia begin their campaign against Ireland in Windhoek on day two. Fans are also looking forward to the highly anticipated India–Bangladesh clash scheduled for 17 January in Bulawayo. With traditional rivalries, rising talents and unpredictable matchups, early fixtures promise strong intensity.
Ten teams secured automatic qualification based on their rankings and performance in the 2024 edition, joining hosts Zimbabwe. The remaining five teams earned their place through regional qualifiers, reflecting the growing international footprint of junior cricket. Tanzania’s entry marks a noteworthy milestone as they participate in the tournament for the first time.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed strong enthusiasm for the event, highlighting how the competition has historically produced cricket’s biggest stars. He stated that the U19 World Cup remains a key platform where future legends first emerge, offering young cricketers an environment that prepares them for the pressures of senior international cricket.
Shah also praised Tanzania’s debut and extended best wishes to all participating teams, noting the importance of global representation in shaping the sport’s future. Warm-up matches will begin on 9 January across Harare, Bulawayo and Windhoek, allowing teams to adjust to conditions before the main tournament begins.
With detailed scheduling, iconic venues and rising cricketing nations joining traditional powerhouses, the 2026 edition promises to deliver high-quality competition, new narratives and fresh talent ready to step onto the world stage.