The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 gets underway today, January 15, as Zimbabwe and Namibia co-host the prestigious youth tournament for the first time. The 16th edition of the event will run for over three weeks and showcase the finest young cricketing talent from across the globe.
A total of 16 teams will compete across five venues, aiming not only for the trophy but also for recognition on the international stage. The grand final is scheduled for February 6 at the iconic Harare Sports Club.
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A Proven Pathway to Stardom
The Under-19 World Cup has historically served as a launching pad for future superstars. Modern greats such as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and several other international icons first announced themselves at this level. As a result, the tournament attracts global attention from fans, selectors, and franchises alike.
Defending champions Australia return after their triumph over India in the 2024 final. However, youth cricket is known for its unpredictability, and past success offers little assurance in a competition where momentum can shift rapidly.
Most Successful Teams
India enter the tournament as the most decorated side, having won the title five times. Australia follow closely with four championships, while Pakistan remain the only other nation to lift the trophy more than once, claiming back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2006.
Opening Day Fixtures
The tournament begins with a triple-header:
- India vs USA in Bulawayo
- Zimbabwe vs Scotland in Harare
- Tanzania vs West Indies in Windhoek
Tanzania will make their maiden appearance at the Under-19 World Cup, while Japan return for the first time since 2020, highlighting cricket’s expanding global reach.
Tournament Format Explained
The 16 teams are divided into four groups of four. The top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage, while the fourth-placed teams move into classification matches.
In the Super Six round, teams carry forward points and net run rate earned against fellow qualifiers. Each side then plays two additional matches against teams from another group. The top performers progress to the semi-finals, followed by the final on February 6.
Groups Breakdown
- Group A: India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, USA
- Group B: Pakistan, England, Scotland, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Japan
- Group D: South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan, Tanzania
Venues and Match Timings
Matches will be held across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Windhoek will host 16 games, while Zimbabwe stages 25 matches, including both semi-finals and the final.
All matches begin at 9:30 AM local time (12:30 PM PST).
Pakistan’s Group Matches
Pakistan start their campaign against England on January 16, followed by Scotland on January 19, before concluding the group stage against hosts Zimbabwe on January 22. The schedule presents early challenges but offers Pakistan a strong platform to build momentum.
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 schedule
- 15 January, USA v India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 15 January, Zimbabwe v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- 15 January, Tanzania v West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 16 January, Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- 16 January, Australia v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 17 January, India v Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 17 January, Japan v Sri Lanka, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 18 January, New Zealand v USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 18 January, England v Zimbabwe, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- 18 January, West Indies v Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 19 January, Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- 19 January, Sri Lanka v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 20 January, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 20 January, Australia v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 21 January, England v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- 21 January, Afghanistan v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 22 January, Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- 22 January, Ireland v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 23 January, Bangladesh v USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
- 23 January, Sri Lanka v Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 24 January, India v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 24 January, A4 v D4, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 25 January, Super Six A1 v D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 25 January, Super Six D2 v A3, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 26 January, B4 v C4, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 26 January, Super Six C1 v B2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 26 January, Super Six D1 v A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 27 January, Super Six C2 v B3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 27 January, Super Six C3 v B1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 28 January, Super Six, A1 v D2, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 29 January, Super Six D3 v A2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 30 January, Super Six D1 v A3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 30 January, Super Six B3 v C1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 31 January, Super Six B2 v C3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 01 February, Super Six B1 v C2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 03 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 04 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 06 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
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