The stage is set for the next generation of cricket stars to shine as the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026 prepares to commence. The tournament, a biennial showcase of young talent, will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026. A total of 16 teams will battle across five venues in a quest for the coveted trophy.
Tournament Format and Key Details
The 16 contenders have been divided into four groups of four teams each. Following a round-robin stage within the groups, the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six phase. This crucial second stage will then determine the four semi-finalists, with the top two teams from the Super Sixes advancing. The grand finale is scheduled for February 6, 2026.
All matches throughout the tournament are set to begin at 9:30 AM local time. For fans in India, this translates to a 1:00 PM IST start, while viewers in the UK can tune in at 7:30 AM GMT.
Host Venues Across Two Nations
The event will be spread across three cities in the two host nations. In Zimbabwe, matches will be played in the capital, Harare (Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Sports Club), and in Bulawayo (Queens Sports Club). Over in Namibia, the action will be centered in the capital city of Windhoek (Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval).
The first semi-final will be held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The iconic Harare Sports Club will host the second semi-final and the final, setting the scene for the crowning of the 2026 champion.
Group Stage Composition and India's Campaign
The groups for the initial stage have been finalized, setting up some intriguing contests. Defending champions and other top cricketing nations will face emerging associates.
Group A features Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Group B is headlined by India, alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the USA. Group C comprises England, Pakistan, Scotland, and hosts Zimbabwe. Group D includes Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, and the West Indies.
The Indian colts, led by the BCCI, will begin their campaign on the opening day, January 15, against the USA at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Their group stage journey includes a high-voltage clash against Bangladesh on January 17 and a match against New Zealand on January 24.
Complete Match Fixture List
Here is the full schedule for the group stage and knockout phases of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026:
January 15: India vs USA (Bulawayo); Zimbabwe vs Scotland (Harare); Tanzania vs West Indies (Windhoek).
January 16: England vs Pakistan (Harare); Australia vs Ireland (Windhoek); Afghanistan vs South Africa (Windhoek).
January 17: Bangladesh vs India (Bulawayo); Japan vs Sri Lanka (Windhoek).
January 18: New Zealand vs USA (Bulawayo); Zimbabwe vs England (Harare); Afghanistan vs West Indies (Windhoek).
January 19: Pakistan vs Scotland (Harare); Ireland vs Sri Lanka (Windhoek); South Africa vs Tanzania (Windhoek).
January 20: Bangladesh vs New Zealand (Bulawayo); Australia vs Japan (Windhoek).
January 21: England vs Scotland (Harare); Afghanistan vs Tanzania (Windhoek).
January 22: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan (Harare); Ireland vs Japan (Windhoek); South Africa vs West Indies (Windhoek).
January 23: Bangladesh vs USA (Harare); Australia vs Sri Lanka (Windhoek).
January 24: India vs New Zealand (Bulawayo).
The tournament then moves into the Super Six stage from January 25 to February 1, with matches across Bulawayo, Harare, and Windhoek. The playoff matches for the 13th to 16th positions will also be contested during this period.
The first semi-final is on February 3 in Bulawayo, followed by the second semi-final on February 4 in Harare. The championship culminates with the final on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.
This edition promises to be a thrilling platform for future international cricketers, with India among the favorites to lift the title. Fans worldwide can follow the live action and scores as the next chapter in cricket's rich history is written by its youngest ambassadors.
