T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule: Dates, Venues, Fixtures & Key Matches

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a cricket spectacle like no other. Spread across two passionate cricket nations—India and Sri Lanka—this month-long tournament runs from 7 February to 8 March 2026 and packs in high-intensity matches almost every single day.

If you are trying to figure out who plays when, where the big clashes are, or which grounds to target for travel and tickets, this guide walks you through the full schedule, venues, and must-watch days in a simple, conversational way.

If you’re searching specifically for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 fixtures, including complete match dates, venues, and stage-wise breakdowns, you’ll find everything clearly laid out right here in one place.

Tournament Overview: Format, Teams, and Timeline

The 2026 edition features 20 teams, making it one of the most stacked T20 World Cups we’ve seen. Over 29 days, the competition moves through:

• Group stage

• Super 8s

• Semi-finals

• Final

The idea is simple: keep the action flowing, keep interest high, and leave almost no “dead” days for fans. You’ll see everything from associate upsets to heavyweight clashes, sometimes all within 24 hours.

India and Sri Lanka share hosting duties:

• India: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata

• Sri Lanka: Colombo (SSC and Premadasa), Kandy

That mix of venues guarantees a balance of spin-friendly pitches, belting batting tracks, and atmospheric night games under lights.

Co-Hosting: What India and Sri Lanka Bring to the Table

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, Co-hosted tournaments have their own charm, right? Here’s what this one offers:

• India brings massive stadiums, electric crowds, and high-scoring surfaces in places like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.

• Sri Lanka offers slower, more tactical pitches in Colombo and Kandy, where spin and smart bowling can turn games on their head.

Think of it as a cricket road trip across two countries, where conditions can change as quickly as momentum in a T20 chase.

Group Stage Overview: 7–19 February 2026

The group stage kicks off on 7 February and runs at full throttle through the 19th, with multiple big games almost every day. If you like planning your evenings around cricket, this phase is a dream.

You’ll see:

• Full members vs full members

• Associates getting their shot on big stages

• Early clashes that already feel like knockouts

Let’s break it down week by week.

Opening Week (7–10 February): T20 World Cup 2026 Starts With a Bang

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, The tournament doesn’t tiptoe in; it sprints out of the blocks with a loaded opening stretch.

7 February 2026 – Triple Header to Launch the Tournament

• Pakistan vs Netherlands – SSC, Colombo
  A classic banana-skin fixture to start things off. Pakistan’s flair vs Netherlands’ discipline on Sri Lankan soil.

• West Indies vs Bangladesh – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
  Caribbean power-hitting meets Bangladesh’s improving bowling at one of the most iconic grounds in world cricket.

• India vs USA – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
  A blockbuster night game. India at home under lights, and USA looking to prove they’re more than just expansion content.

8 February 2026 – Spin, Pace, and Subcontinent Atmosphere

• New Zealand vs Afghanistan – Chennai (MA Chidambaram Stadium)
  Conditions in Chennai could be a dream for Afghanistan’s spinners, yet New Zealand know how to adapt and scrap.

• England vs Nepal – Mumbai (Wankhede)
  A huge stage for Nepal as they take on the reigning powerhouse of white-ball cricket.

• Sri Lanka vs Ireland – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
  A night game at Premadasa, with Sri Lanka’s home advantage up against Ireland’s ever-dangerous, fearless batting.

9–10 February 2026 – Associates Step Into the Spotlight

Over the next two days, we see more teams take the field:

• Bangladesh vs Italy – Kolkata

• Zimbabwe vs Oman – SSC, Colombo

• South Africa vs Canada – Ahmedabad (Narendra Modi Stadium)

• Netherlands vs Namibia – Delhi (Arun Jaitley Stadium)

• New Zealand vs UAE – Chennai

• Pakistan vs USA – SSC, Colombo

This block sets the stage: we see who settles quickly, who looks rusty, and which associate teams might be gearing up for an upset.

Middle Group Phase (11–19 February): Heavyweights Clash, Groups Take Shape

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, From 11 February, the tournament shifts gears. You get more must-win games, more direct clashes between big teams, and some early “virtual knockouts.”

Key Fixtures Around 11–12 February

• South Africa vs Afghanistan – Ahmedabad
  A serious test for both sides on a big ground, possibly crucial for qualification.

• Australia vs Ireland – R. Premadasa, Colombo
  Ireland know how to punch above their weight in ICC events; Australia know how to stamp authority early.

• England vs West Indies – Mumbai
  Fireworks guaranteed. Short boundaries, power hitters everywhere, and two sides who won’t die wondering.

• Sri Lanka vs Oman – Kandy

• Nepal vs Italy – Mumbai

• India vs Namibia – Delhi

These games help sort contenders from strugglers and keep every group alive with multiple storylines.

13 February: A Pivotal Day for Several Groups

• Australia vs Zimbabwe – R. Premadasa, Colombo

• Canada vs UAE – Delhi

• USA vs Netherlands – Chennai

This day looks like a crossroads, especially for teams battling for second spots in their groups.

14 February: Valentine’s Day, but for Cricket Fans

• Ireland vs Oman – SSC, Colombo

• England vs Bangladesh – Kolkata

• New Zealand vs South Africa – Ahmedabad

That New Zealand vs South Africa fixture is one of those familiar ICC clashes where pressure feels heavier than usual.

15 February: The Big One – India vs Pakistan

• West Indies vs Nepal – Mumbai

• USA vs Namibia – Chennai

• India vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa, Colombo (night)

India vs Pakistan under lights in Colombo might be the most watched game of the tournament. Expect huge search interest, packed stands, and both teams treating it like a final.

Crunch Time in the Groups (16–19 February): Qualification Picture Clears Up

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, As the group stage approaches its final stretch, every run and every over matters.

16–17 February Key Fixtures

• Afghanistan vs UAE – Delhi

• England vs Italy – Kolkata

• Australia vs Sri Lanka – Kandy

• New Zealand vs Canada – Chennai

• Ireland vs Zimbabwe – Kandy

• Bangladesh vs Nepal – Mumbai

These matches are likely to either confirm favorites or keep a few unexpected qualification chances open.

18–19 February: Final Group Matches and Last-Gasp Pushes

• South Africa vs UAE – Delhi

• Pakistan vs Namibia – SSC, Colombo

• India vs Netherlands – Ahmedabad

• West Indies vs Italy – Kolkata

• Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – R. Premadasa, Colombo

• Afghanistan vs Canada – Chennai

By the end of this block, you’ll have a good idea who’s marching into the Super 8s and who’s heading home early.

From Groups to Super 8s: Transition and Rest Days

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, After the group phase, the schedule allows small gaps around 20–23 February. Some of these slots work as:

• Rest and travel days

• Contingency space for any rescheduled games

• Time to finalize and seed Super 8 line-ups

We do know one thing clearly: by 21–23 February, the Super 8 stage formally gets underway, with teams slotted into two groups labeled X and Y (X1–X4 and Y1–Y4).

Super 8s: Full Fixture Flow and Host Cities

Once we hit the Super 8s, every game feels like a quarter-final. Each team plays all the others in its group, so there’s no room to coast.

Here’s how the Super 8 schedule shapes up across India and Sri Lanka:

• 21 February (night) – Y2 vs Y3, R. Premadasa, Colombo

• 22 February (afternoon) – Y1 vs Y4, Kandy

• 22 February (night) – X1 vs X4, Ahmedabad

• 23 February (night) – X2 vs X3, Mumbai (Wankhede)

• 24 February (night) – Y1 vs Y3, Kandy

• 25 February (night) – Y2 vs Y4, R. Premadasa, Colombo

• 26 February (afternoon) – X3 vs X4, Ahmedabad

• 26 February (night) – X1 vs X2, Chennai

• 27 February (night) – Y1 vs Y2, R. Premadasa, Colombo

• 28 February (night) – Y3 vs Y4, Kandy

• 1 March (afternoon) – X2 vs X4, Delhi

• 1 March (night) – X1 vs X3, Kolkata (Eden Gardens)

Notice the pattern? The ICC has deliberately spread big Super 8 games across:

• High-profile Indian venues (Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai)

• Sri Lanka’s key grounds (Colombo, Kandy)

That keeps both host nations right at the heart of the tournament story all the way into the business end.

Knockout Stage: Semi-Finals and Final

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, Here’s where things get a bit interesting. The schedule lists multiple semi-final dates and venues, with some entries looking like placeholders that the ICC is expected to refine closer to the event.

Current key knockout details:

• 4 March 2026 – Semi-final (SF1) – Eden Gardens, Kolkata (evening)

• 4 March 2026 – Another semi-final – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• 5 March 2026 – Additional semi-final listing – Mumbai (Wankhede)

This suggests either:

• Reserve days,

• Flexible semi-final allocation, or

• A yet-to-be-finalized official structure.

For the final:

• 8 March 2026 (evening) – Final is shown as listed for both R. Premadasa, Colombo and Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

In other words, one is likely to be confirmed as the main host and the other may act as backup, depending on ICC’s final call. For definitive updates, the official ICC T20 World Cup 2026 page will be the go-to source.

Main Venues: Atmosphere, Conditions, and What to Expect

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, Let’s look at the key grounds and what they typically offer to players and fans.

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (India)

• High-scoring, especially under lights.

• Hosts India vs USA, other group games, and major Super 8 ties.

• Fast outfield, short boundaries, and an incredible noise level when India play.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (India)

• Historic, huge capacity, emotional crowd.

• Hosts group matches and at least one semi-final.

• Can offer both big totals and tricky chasing conditions as the pitch wears.

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (India)

• One of the largest stadiums in the world by capacity.

• Hosts South Africa fixtures, India vs Netherlands, Super 8 games, and is in the frame as a final venue.

• Big ground dimensions, which reward smart bowling plans and strong running between the wickets.

Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (India)

• Traditionally slower surface with low bounce at times.

• Hosts Netherlands vs Namibia, India vs Namibia, South Africa vs UAE, plus Super 8 fixtures.

• Can favor spinners and cutters, especially as the tournament progresses.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (India)

• Known for being spin-friendly and tactical.

• Hosts New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Super 8 games.

• Not always the highest scoring, but brilliant for close, low-scoring thrillers.

SSC (Singhalese Sports Club), Colombo (Sri Lanka)

• Hosts the tournament opener and multiple Pakistan, Netherlands, and associate fixtures.

• Offers conditions where seamers and spinners both stay relevant.

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (Sri Lanka)

• One of the main Sri Lankan venues in this World Cup.

• Hosts India vs Pakistan, significant Sri Lanka fixtures, Super 8 matches, a semi-final, and is also listed as a possible final venue.

• Under lights, the ball can grip and turn, bringing spinners and clever change-ups into play.

Pallekele, Kandy (Sri Lanka)

• Hosts Sri Lanka vs Oman, Australia vs Sri Lanka, and several Super 8 matches.

• Often brings swing into the game, especially under cloud cover or at night.

Together, these venues add a rich tactical layer to the tournament: think power-hitting in Mumbai, strategic spin attacks in Chennai and Colombo, and big-ground smarts in Ahmedabad and Delhi.

Key Matches and Red-Letter Days for Fans

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, If you’re planning watch parties, content drops, or even travel, some dates scream for a big red circle on the calendar:

• 7 February 2026 – Opening triple-header

  • Pakistan vs Netherlands (SSC)

  • West Indies vs Bangladesh (Eden Gardens)

  • India vs USA (Wankhede)

• 14 February 2026 – New Zealand vs South Africa (Ahmedabad)
  A high-pressure clash that often carries knockout vibes even in the group stage.

• 15 February 2026 – India vs Pakistan (R. Premadasa, Colombo)
  The marquee fixture of the tournament, both on the ground and online.

• Late February – 1 March 2026 – Super 8 crunch games

  • X1 vs X4 (Ahmedabad)

  • X1 vs X3 (Kolkata)

  • Y1 vs Y2 (Colombo)

• 4–5 March 2026 – Semi-final window across Kolkata, Colombo, and Mumbai (as currently listed).

• 8 March 2026 – Final (evening)

  • Scheduled with both Colombo and Ahmedabad in the mix.

These are the days when ticket demand, broadcasting interest, and online search traffic will spike.

Travel and Viewing Tips for India and Sri Lanka

Planning to follow the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 live from the stands? Here are some practical pointers.

For India:

• Major host cities (Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata) are well connected by domestic flights and trains.

• Stadiums usually have plenty of hotels and guest houses within commuting distance.

• For big games like India fixtures or knockouts, book early—both tickets and accommodation.

For Sri Lanka:

• Colombo is the main entry point by air and hosts SSC and R. Premadasa.

• Kandy is a scenic road or train trip from Colombo and worth the journey for the atmosphere alone.

• High-profile games like India vs Pakistan and key Super 8/knockout matches in Colombo and Kandy will drive demand up early.

Tickets and Official Updates:

• Buy through the official ICC ticketing platforms and their listed partners.

• Check gate timings, entry rules, and any last-minute schedule changes on the ICC site.

• For fixtures, analysis, and ball-by-ball updates, ESPNcricinfo’s T20 World Cup 2026 section will mirror and explain official information.

Conclusion

T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is more than just another tournament; it’s a 29-day cricket festival spread across two countries that live and breathe the game. With 20 teams, iconic venues, a packed schedule, and heavyweight clashes from day one, there’s something in it for every type of fan—whether you love tactical low-scoring games or 200-plus run-fests.

By knowing the schedule, understanding the venues, and marking the key dates, you can plan your viewing, travel, or content calendar so you do not miss the major moments—from the opening day on 7 February to the title showdown on 8 March 2026.