New Delhi — India will begin its campaign in the 16th ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup with a clash against the USA on January 15, 2026, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday. The tournament, to be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026, will feature 16 teams, competing in 41 matches over 23 days.
The matches will be held across five venues — three in Zimbabwe (Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club) and two in Namibia (Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval). Notably, Tanzania will make its debut in the tournament, while Japan appears for the second time.
Tournament Format and Groups
The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups:
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Group A: India, Bangladesh, USA, New Zealand
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Group B: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland
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Group C: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
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Group D: Tanzania, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa
Each team will play three group-stage matches. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, followed by the semifinals on February 3 and 4 in Bulawayo and Harare. The grand final will be held on February 6 at Harare Sports Club.
Defending champions Australia will start their campaign against Ireland on the second day of the tournament, while India will also face Bangladesh on January 17 in Bulawayo.
Road to Qualification
Ten teams earned direct entry based on their performance in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. Hosts Zimbabwe received automatic qualification, while five teams entered through regional qualifiers—highlighting the expanding global footprint of youth cricket.
ICC President Jay Shah Welcomes the Future Stars
ICC President Jay Shah expressed his excitement for the event, calling it a powerful platform for the next generation of cricketing stars.
“I have been eagerly awaiting the Under-19 World Cup. It has consistently produced the future legends of the game — from Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill,” Shah said. “Zimbabwe and Namibia are ready to host a tournament where dreams take shape, rivalries are born, and global cricket begins its next chapter.”
Key Fixtures (Selected)
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January 15: India vs USA — Queens Sports Club
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Zimbabwe vs Scotland — Takashinga Sports Club
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January 16: Pakistan vs England — Takashinga Sports Club
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Australia vs Ireland — Namibia Cricket Ground
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January 17: India vs Bangladesh — Queens Sports Club
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Japan vs Sri Lanka — Namibia Cricket Ground
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January 24: India vs New Zealand — Queens Sports Club
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February 3: Semifinal 1 — Queens Sports Club
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February 4: Semifinal 2 — Harare Sports Club
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February 6: Final — Harare Sports Club
The stage is set for a riveting showcase of talent as India’s young guns prepare for a high-stakes opener against the USA. The cricketing world now eagerly waits to see which emerging stars will shine brightest in the 2026 edition.
