The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will take place from 15 January to 6 February 2026 in Namibia and Zimbabwe, marking the 16th edition of cricket’s premier youth tournament.
This championship has long been the cradle of greatness, launching the careers of legends like Brian Lara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill.
You’ll get the full schedule, groups, format, venues, squads, streaming options, past winners, and the latest updates in this comprehensive guide.
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Schedule
Here’s the complete ICC U19 World Cup 2026 schedule with dates, groups, venues, and match timings for every league, playoff, Super Six, semifinal, and final fixture.
The tournament will feature 41 matches played over 23 days across five venues.
| Date | Match No. | Group | Teams | Venue | Local Time | GMT | IST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 15 | 1 | Group A | USA U19 vs India U19 | Bulawayo, Queens Sports Club | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Thu, Jan 15 | 2 | Group B | Zimbabwe U19 vs Scotland U19 | Harare, Takashinga SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Thu, Jan 15 | 3 | Group D | Tanzania U19 vs West Indies U19 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 16 | 4 | Group B | Pakistan U19 vs England U19 | Harare, Takashinga SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 16 | 5 | Group C | Australia U19 vs Ireland U19 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 16 | 6 | Group D | Afghanistan U19 vs South Africa U19 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 7 | Group A | India U19 vs Bangladesh U19 | Bulawayo, Queens Sports Club | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 8 | Group C | Japan U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 9 | Group A | New Zealand U19 vs USA U19 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 10 | Group B | England U19 vs Zimbabwe U19 | Harare, Takashinga SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 11 | Group D | West Indies U19 vs Afghanistan U19 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 12 | Group B | Pakistan U19 vs Scotland U19 | Harare, Takashinga SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 13 | Group C | Sri Lanka U19 vs Ireland U19 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 14 | Group D | South Africa U19 vs Tanzania U19 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Tue, Jan 20 | 15 | Group A | Bangladesh U19 vs New Zealand U19 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Tue, Jan 20 | 16 | Group C | Australia U19 vs Japan U19 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Wed, Jan 21 | 17 | Group B | England U19 vs Scotland U19 | Harare, Takashinga SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Wed, Jan 21 | 18 | Group D | Afghanistan U19 vs Tanzania U19 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Thu, Jan 22 | 19 | Group B | Zimbabwe U19 vs Pakistan U19 | Harare, Takashinga SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Thu, Jan 22 | 20 | Group C | Ireland U19 vs Japan U19 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Thu, Jan 22 | 21 | Group D | West Indies U19 vs South Africa U19 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 23 | 22 | Group A | Bangladesh U19 vs USA U19 | Harare, Takashinga SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 23 | 23 | Group C | Sri Lanka U19 vs Australia U19 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat, Jan 24 | 24 | Group A | India U19 vs New Zealand U19 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat, Jan 24 | Playoff 1 | – | A4 vs D4 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 25 | SS Match 1 (AD) | Super Six | A1 vs D3 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 25 | SS Match 2 (AD) | Super Six | D2 vs A3 | Windhoek, High Performance Oval | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 26 | Playoff 2 | – | B4 vs C4 | Harare, Harare SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 26 | SS Match 3 (BC) | Super Six | C1 vs B2 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 26 | SS Match 4 (AD) | Super Six | D1 vs A2 | Windhoek, Namibia CG | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Tue, Jan 27 | SS Match 5 (BC) | Super Six | C2 vs B3 | Harare, Harare SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Tue, Jan 27 | SS Match 6 (BC) | Super Six | C3 vs B1 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Wed, Jan 28 | SS Match 7 (AD) | Super Six | A1 vs D2 | Harare, Harare SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Thu, Jan 29 | SS Match 8 (AD) | Super Six | D3 vs A2 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 30 | SS Match 9 (AD) | Super Six | D1 vs A3 | Harare, Harare SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 30 | SS Match 10 (BC) | Super Six | B3 vs C1 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat, Jan 31 | SS Match 11 (BC) | Super Six | B2 vs C3 | Harare, Harare SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Feb 1 | SS Match 12 (BC) | Super Six | B1 vs C2 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Tue, Feb 3 | Semi-Final 1 | Knockout | AD1 vs BC2 | Bulawayo, Queens SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Wed, Feb 4 | Semi-Final 2 | Knockout | BC1 vs AD2 | Harare, Harare SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Feb 6 | Final | Knockout | Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 | Harare, Harare SC | 9:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will feature the best young players from 16 nations.
Tanzania will make their tournament debut, while Japan returns after their 2020 appearance, joining defending champions Australia and record five-time winners India in what promises to be an electrifying display of emerging talent.
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Groups & Teams
Below are the four groups confirmed by the ICC, featuring an exciting mix of defending champions, tournament debutants, and returning contenders:
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Australia (Defending champions), Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka |
| Group B | India (Five-time champions), Bangladesh (2020 winners), USA, New Zealand |
| Group C | Zimbabwe (Co-host), Pakistan, England, Scotland |
| Group D | Tanzania (Tournament debut), West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa |
Participating Teams List
- Australia – Defending champions, seeking back-to-back titles
- India – Most successful team with 5 titles, automatic qualifier
- Pakistan – Two-time winners (2004, 2006)
- England – 1998 champions
- South Africa – 2014 champions
- Sri Lanka – Asian powerhouse
- Bangladesh – 2020 champions
- New Zealand – Consistent performers
- West Indies – 2016 champions
- Zimbabwe – Co-host nation, home advantage
- Namibia – Co-host nation
- Ireland – European qualifiers
- Scotland – European qualifiers
- Japan – Return after 2020 appearance
- USA – Americas representatives
- Tanzania – Making tournament debut
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Format Explained
The ICC confirms that the format remains unchanged from recent editions, ensuring a comprehensive tournament structure that mirrors senior international cricket standards:
- Total Teams: 16 nations competing
- Group Stage: 4 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays three matches within their group
- Super Six Stage: Top 3 teams from each group advance to form two Super Six groups of 6 teams each. Teams carry forward points from matches against qualified sides from their initial group
- Knockouts:
- Two semi-finals featuring the top two teams from each Super Six group
- One final to crown the champion
- Reserve days available for all three knockout matches to ensure decisive results
- Schedule Count: 41 matches across 23 days of intense competition
This format ensures every team gets multiple opportunities to showcase their talent while maintaining the competitive intensity that has made this tournament a stepping stone for future international stars.
Venue List and Host Country Details
The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, bringing world-class youth cricket to Southern Africa.
| Stadium | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Harare Sports Club | Harare | Zimbabwe |
| Takashinga Sports Club | Harare | Zimbabwe |
| Queens Sports Club | Bulawayo | Zimbabwe |
| Namibia Cricket Ground | Windhoek | Namibia |
| HP Oval | Windhoek | Namibia |
Zimbabwe will host matches across two cities – Harare and Bulawayo – while Namibia will stage games in Windhoek. These five venues collectively cover all group, playoff, Super Six, and knockout fixtures scheduled for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026. The final will be played at the historic Harare Sports Club on 6 February 2026.
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Squads (Team-wise Updates)
The ICC has announced that teams will arrive on 8 January 2026 and play warm-up matches from 9 to 14 January 2026.
Squad announcements are pending, but they will be revealed as the tournament approaches. This article will be updated with complete squad lists, player profiles, and team compositions once officially announced by the ICC and participating nations.
Check back regularly for updates on star players, captains, and the young talent set to make their mark on the world stage.
Where to Watch ICC U19 World Cup 2026 (Country-wise Streaming)
Cricket fans worldwide can catch all the action from the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 through various broadcasters and streaming platforms. Here’s your complete viewing guide:
| Country / Region | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| India | JioHotstar, Star Sports |
| Australia | Amazon Prime Video |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ |
| South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport |
| United States | Willow TV |
| Sri Lanka | TV1.lk |
| Afghanistan | Ariana Television (ATN) |
| Middle East & UAE | eVision / CricLife |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports |
| Worldwide (Other Regions) | ICC.tv |
India
Indian fans can watch all matches live on Star Sports network and stream on JioHotstar. With India being the most successful team in tournament history, expect comprehensive coverage with expert commentary and analysis.
Australia
Australian viewers can catch the defending champions’ campaign on Amazon Prime Video, which has secured exclusive rights for the tournament in the region.
United Kingdom
Sky Sports will broadcast all matches for UK audiences, offering multi-platform streaming options through Sky Go and NOW TV.
New Zealand
Kiwi cricket fans can tune into Sky Sport NZ for complete tournament coverage across TV and streaming platforms.
South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa
SuperSport provides extensive coverage across the African continent, with multiple channels dedicated to cricket content.
United States
Willow TV remains the go-to destination for American cricket fans, offering live streaming and on-demand replays of all matches.
Sri Lanka
Local broadcaster TV1.lk will carry all matches featuring the Sri Lankan U19 team and other tournament games.
Afghanistan
Ariana Television (ATN) will broadcast the tournament for Afghan cricket enthusiasts.
Middle East & UAE
Fans in the Middle East can watch on eVision and CricLife, with Arabic and English commentary options.
Worldwide Coverage
For regions without dedicated broadcasters, ICC.tv will provide live streaming and highlights, ensuring no cricket fan misses the action.
Past Winners of the ICC U19 World Cup (All Editions)
The ICC U19 World Cup has been the launching pad for cricket’s greatest talents since 1988. Here’s the complete list of past champions who lifted the trophy on their journey to international stardom:
| Series / Tournament | Season | Winner | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s Bicentennial Youth World Cup | 1987/88 | Australia YC | Australia |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 1997/98 | England U19 | South Africa |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 1999/00 | India U19 | Sri Lanka |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2001/02 | Australia U19 | New Zealand |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2003/04 | Pakistan U19 | Bangladesh |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2005/06 | Pakistan U19 | Sri Lanka |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2007/08 | India U19 | Malaysia |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2009/10 | Australia U19 | New Zealand |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2012 | India U19 | Australia |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2013/14 | South Africa U19 | UAE |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2015/16 | West Indies U19 | Bangladesh |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2017/18 | India U19 | New Zealand |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2019/20 | Bangladesh U19 | South Africa |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2021/22 | India U19 | West Indies |
| ICC Under-19 World Cup | 2023/24 | Australia U19 | South Africa |
Most Successful Teams:
- India: 5 titles (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022)
- Australia: 4 titles (1988, 2002, 2010, 2024)
- Pakistan: 2 titles (2004, 2006)
The tournament has consistently shaped the future of international cricket, with alumni including current superstars like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Shubman Gill, alongside all-time greats Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya.
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 – Latest News & Updates
Stay informed with the most recent developments leading up to the tournament:
- Tanzania’s Historic Debut: Tanzania will make their first-ever appearance in the U19 World Cup, marking a significant milestone for East African cricket development
- Japan’s Return: Japan returns to the tournament stage after their 2020 appearance, bringing Asian cricket’s growing depth into focus
- Team Arrivals: All 16 participating nations will arrive on 8 January 2026
- Warm-up Schedule: Official warm-up matches are scheduled from 9–14 January 2026, giving teams crucial preparation time
- Opening Day Triple Header (15 January 2026):
- India vs USA – Five-time champions begin their campaign
- Zimbabwe vs Scotland – Co-hosts kick off their home tournament
- Tanzania vs West Indies – Tournament debutants face 2016 champions
- Tournament Finale: The final will be played on 6 February 2026 at the prestigious Harare Sports Club
- ICC Chairman’s Vision: ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasized that the tournament “reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons,” highlighting its importance in shaping cricket’s future
Related Reads:
Conclusion: The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Starts On 15 January
The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 is an important stage for the next generation of international cricketers.
With teams from around the world competing in Namibia and Zimbabwe, fans can expect exciting matches and future stars in action.
This article will be updated live with the full schedule, squads, points table, match results, and all major developments as the tournament gets closer.
FAQs
Teams arrive on 8 January 2026, with squads expected to be announced in late December 2025 or early January 2026, ahead of warm-up matches starting on 9 January.
The top three teams from each of the four groups advance to form two Super Six groups of six teams each. Teams carry forward points earned from matches against other qualified sides from their initial group, ensuring group-stage performances remain meaningful.
Australia won the 2024 edition of the U19 World Cup, defeating India in the final held in South Africa.
India has won five U19 World Cup titles (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022), making them the most successful team in tournament history.
The semi-finals will be played at Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo) and Harare Sports Club, with the final scheduled at Harare Sports Club on 6 February 2026. Reserve days are available for all three knockout matches.
Yes, the tournament will be available on various streaming platforms depending on your region, including Hotstar (India), Amazon Prime (Australia), and ICC.tv for international viewers.
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