Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE International Cricket Council yesterday unveiled the full schedule for the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, setting the stage for a landmark tournament that Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia from January 15 to February 6.
Sixteen teams will contest 41 matches, culminating in the final at Harare Sports Club on February 6. The opening day promises drama: India take on the USA, Zimbabwe launch their campaign against Scotland, and Tanzania make history with their first-ever Under-19 World Cup appearance against the West Indies.
Five venues will share hosting duties across the two nations. In Zimbabwe, matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club and Queens Sports Club, while Namibia will utilise the Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval.
The format mirrors that of the senior World Cup: four groups of four feed into a Super Six stage, followed by the semi-finals and the title decider in Harare. Defending champions Australia begin their campaign in Windhoek against Ireland on day two. One of the early headline fixtures comes on January 17 when India face Bangladesh in Bulawayo.
Ten teams qualified automatically from the 2024 tournament and join hosts Zimbabwe. The remaining five earned their places through regional qualifiers, underlining the growing global reach of the Under-19 pathway.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the tournament as one of cricket’s most significant proving grounds.
“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that unveils not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons.”
“From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket. This tournament is where dreams ignite, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form,” said Shah.
He added: “We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams. I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”
All matches across both countries will start at 9:30AM.
