ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 – Complete Schedule, Squads, Venues & Updates

The ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 marks the 16th edition of cricket’s premier youth tournament, bringing together the world’s brightest young talents for a showcase of skill, determination, and future potential. Co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, this year’s tournament promises three weeks of thrilling cricket action featuring 16 teams competing for global glory from January 15 to February 6, 2026.

Tournament Overview and Format

The 2026 edition maintains the tournament’s established structure while delivering competitive cricket across multiple stages. The competition features 41 matches in total, beginning with a group stage format where 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups of four each. This setup ensures every team gets maximum exposure and competitive matches right from the tournament’s opening day.

Following the initial round-robin phase, the top three teams from each group advance to the crucial Super Six stage. This innovative format sees teams carry forward their points, wins, and net run rate earned against fellow qualifying teams. The 12 qualified sides are then redistributed into two groups of six teams each, with Groups A and D qualifiers combined, and Groups B and C qualifiers forming the second Super Six group.

The top two sides from each Super Six group will then play the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for February 6 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, the four teams finishing at the bottom of their respective groups will compete in a 16th-place playoff, ensuring all participating nations continue their development throughout the tournament.

Participating Teams and Groups

The tournament features a balanced mix of established cricket nations and emerging forces, creating an exciting competitive landscape:

Group A brings together cricket powerhouses and rising stars. India, winners of five titles, lead this group alongside 2020 champions Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the United States. This combination promises high-quality cricket with India entering as runners-up from the previous edition.

Group B showcases co-hosts Zimbabwe, traditional rivals Pakistan and England, plus Scotland. These matchups promise several high-profile contests with home advantage potentially playing a crucial role for Zimbabwe.

Group C features defending champions Australia, who will face Sri Lanka, Ireland, and debutants Japan in what could be the tournament’s most intriguing group given Japan’s first-ever participation.

Group D comprises South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan, and tournament debutants Tanzania, completing a well-balanced group stage lineup that ensures competitive matches throughout the opening phase.

Tournament Venues Under 19 World Cup 2026

The 2026 Under 19 World Cup will be played across five world-class cricket venues spread between three cities. Zimbabwe hosts the majority of fixtures with three venues, while Namibia contributes two grounds to ensure smooth tournament operations.

In Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, matches will be held at the prestigious Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Sports Club. The historic city of Bulawayo will see action at Queens Sports Club, one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic cricket venues.

Namibia’s cricket infrastructure shines through with matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval, both located in the capital city Windhoek. This distribution ensures optimal playing conditions while managing the logistical demands of a 16-team tournament.

Match Schedule and Timing

The tournament kicks off on January 15, 2026, with multiple opening-day fixtures setting the tone for the competition. India faces the USA in what promises to be an exciting opener, while co-hosts Zimbabwe take on Scotland, and Tanzania meets West Indies in their historic World Cup debut.

All matches throughout the tournament are scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time, which translates to 1:00 PM IST for Indian viewers. This timing ensures prime viewing hours for cricket fans across multiple time zones while providing optimal playing conditions for the young athletes.

The group stage runs from January 15 to 24, featuring 24 matches as teams battle for Super Six qualification. The Super Six stage follows immediately with 12 crucial matches determining the semi-finalists. Both semi-finals will be held in Zimbabwe, with the grand finale taking place on February 6 in Harare.

Team Squads and Key Players

India Squad

Led by captain Ayush Mhatre with Vihaan Malhotra as vice-captain, India’s 15-member squad includes: Ayush Mhatre (captain), Vihaan Malhotra, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvansh Singh, R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, and Udhav Mohan.

The squad features 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has earned his call-up through exceptional performances across various competitions in 2025. Aaron George enters as India’s top scorer from the recent U19 Asia Cup with 228 runs, while Deepesh Devendran claimed nine wickets to be India’s highest wicket-taker in that tournament.

Pakistan Squad

Under captain Farhan Yousaf, Pakistan brings a formidable squad featuring pace sensation Ali Raza and explosive batsman Sameer Minhas. The complete squad comprises: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan, Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, and Umar Zaib.

Pakistan enters as reigning U19 Asia Cup champions, having defeated India in the final, which adds extra spice to any potential encounter between these traditional rivals.

Australia Squad

The defending champions are led by Oliver Peake and include: Kasey Barton, Naden Cooray, Jayden Draper, Ben Gordon, Steven Hogan, Thomas Hogan, John James, Charles Lachmund, Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Hayden Schiller, Aryan Sharma, William Taylor, and Alex Lee Young.

Other Notable Squads

Bangladesh (Captain: Azizul Hakim Tamim): The 2020 champions field a competitive squad with players like Zawad Abrar, Samiun Basir Ratul, and Sheikh Parvez Jibon leading their charge.

England (Captain: Thomas Rew): Features talents including Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, and Ben Dawkins in their quest for glory.

New Zealand (Captain: Tom Jones): Brings a balanced squad with Marco Alpe, Hugo Bogue, and Harry Burns among key players.

South Africa (Captain: Muhammad Bulbulia): Fields a strong side including JJ Basson, Daniel Bosman, and Corne Botha.

Live Streaming and Broadcasting

Cricket fans worldwide can follow all the action through comprehensive broadcast coverage. All matches of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 will be televised live on the Star Sports Network for viewers in India and select regions.

For digital streaming, the tournament will be available on the Jio Hotstar app and website, ensuring fans can watch matches on their preferred devices whether at home or on the go. This dual broadcast arrangement ensures maximum accessibility for the global cricket community eager to witness the stars of tomorrow.

Tournament Significance and History

The Under 19 World Cup serves as cricket’s premier pathway for identifying and nurturing future international stars. India stands as the tournament’s most successful nation with five championship titles won in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022. However, they enter this edition seeking redemption after a 79-run defeat to Australia in the 2024 final held in South Africa.

Australia, as defending champions, will aim to retain their crown and further establish their dominance in youth cricket. The tournament has historically proven to be an accurate predictor of future international success, with numerous current international stars having made their mark at the Under 19 level.

The inclusion of debutants Japan and Tanzania adds fresh excitement to the tournament, showcasing cricket’s expanding global footprint and providing these nations with invaluable exposure to elite international competition
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Key Storylines to Watch

Several compelling narratives will unfold throughout the tournament. The rivalry between India and Pakistan remains cricket’s most anticipated contest, with both teams entering in strong form following their recent U19 Asia Cup final clash.

Australia’s defense of their title will test their depth and resilience against hungry challengers. Can they become the first team since Pakistan (2004, 2006) to win back-to-back titles?

The emergence of exceptionally young talents like 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi provides a glimpse into cricket’s future. How these teenage prodigies perform under World Cup pressure will be fascinating to observe.

Co-hosts Zimbabwe and Namibia will carry home support as they aim to progress deep into the tournament. Their performances could inspire future generations in African cricket.

Conclusion

The ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 promises to deliver memorable cricket across three exhilarating weeks in Southern Africa. With 16 teams, 41 matches, and countless young stars eager to announce themselves on the global stage, the tournament offers everything cricket fans could desire.

From January 15 to February 6, Zimbabwe and Namibia will witness the next generation of cricket superstars battle for supremacy. Whether you’re following established nations like India, Australia, and Pakistan, or rooting for underdogs and debutants, this tournament guarantees compelling cricket and unforgettable moments.

The stage is set, the squads are announced, and the venues are ready. The ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 is poised to write the next chapter in cricket’s rich history while shaping the sport’s future for years to come