New Delhi : With less than a year to go for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the list of qualified teams is beginning to take shape. A total of 13 teams have officially sealed their spot for the global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
In a major development, Canada has booked its place in the marquee event following a dominant performance in the America Qualifier. The Canadian side thrashed Bahamas by 7 wickets, dismissing them for a paltry 57 runs before chasing the target in just 5.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Kaleem Sana and leggie Shivam Sharma starred with the ball, picking up 3 wickets each, while Dilpreet Bajwa remained unbeaten on 36 to complete the chase effortlessly.
List of 13 Qualified Teams So Far:
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India (Hosts)
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Sri Lanka (Hosts)
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Australia
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England
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New Zealand
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Pakistan
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South Africa
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Afghanistan
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Bangladesh
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Ireland
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West Indies
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USA
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Canada
This will be Canada’s second appearance in a World Cup hosted in India, having earlier featured in the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup, also co-hosted by India. Their last T20 World Cup appearance came in 2024, but they failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Remaining 7 Spots Up for Grabs
The T20 World Cup 2026 will feature 20 teams in total. The remaining 7 teams will qualify through regional tournaments:
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2 teams from the Europe Qualifier (to be held from July 5–11, 2025)
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2 teams from the Africa Qualifier (scheduled from September 19–October 4, 2025)
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3 teams from the Asia–East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier (to run from October 1–17, 2025)
The ICC has reiterated that regional qualifiers are aimed at giving emerging cricketing nations a global stage and strengthening the sport’s grassroots presence worldwide.
With excitement building and the tournament structure falling into place, T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be a landmark event, featuring a strong mix of traditional powerhouses and rising stars of world cricket.
