Fixtures and Groups Released for T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Pakistan Clash on February 15

The ICC has officially announced the fixtures and group divisions for the 10th edition of the tournament. Defending champions India will kick off their title defense campaign against USA on February 7, 2026, in Mumbai. This presents a historic opportunity for India to become the first team ever to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.

The T20 WC 2026 will run from February 7 to March 8, 2026, featuring 20 teams competing across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka. With the tournament returning to the subcontinent after a decade, fans can expect electric atmospheres and world-class cricket action spanning 29 days.

Tournament Format and Structure

The competition begins with 40 group stage matches from February 7-20. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights phase starting February 21. From there, the top four teams qualify for the knockout stages, culminating in the final on March 8.

Tournament Quick Facts:

• Start Date: February 7, 2026
• Final Date: March 8, 2026
• Total Teams: 20 nations from 5 continents
• Host Countries: India and Sri Lanka
• Venues: 8 stadiums (5 in India, 3 in Sri Lanka)
• Group Stage Matches: 40 matches

Host Venues

India (5 Venues):

• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Sri Lanka (3 Venues):

• R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo
• Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia

Group A is the tournament’s most competitive pool featuring defending champions India and arch-rivals Pakistan. The complete schedule shows their blockbuster clash on February 15 in Colombo, which will be the group stage’s most-watched encounter.

Group A Complete Fixtures

Group A Analysis: India enters as title-holders with home advantage across five venues. Pakistan brings their unpredictable brand of cricket, capable of defeating any opposition on their day. USA shocked everyone in the previous edition by reaching the Super Eights. Netherlands has a reputation as giant killers, while Namibia represents Africa’s growing cricket strength. The top two teams will advance to the Super Eights phase.

Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman

Australia arrives as 2021 champions, while Sri Lanka enjoys home advantage across three venues. This group promises competitive cricket with multiple teams capable of causing upsets.

Group B Complete Fixtures

Group B Analysis: Australia’s tournament pedigree makes them favorites, but Sri Lanka’s familiarity with home conditions cannot be underestimated. Ireland and Zimbabwe have both produced memorable World Cup upsets in the past. Oman represents the Gulf region’s cricket ambitions. The battle for the top two spots will be intense.

Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal

This group features two former double champions in England and West Indies, making it one of the most intriguing pools. Bangladesh brings subcontinental expertise, while Italy and Nepal make their tournament debuts.

Group C Complete Fixtures

Group C Analysis: England won the title in 2010 and 2022, while West Indies claimed glory in 2012 and 2016. Their clash on February 11 in Mumbai will be a marquee encounter. Bangladesh’s spin attack suits subcontinental conditions perfectly. For all the latest updates on team preparations and match analysis, fans can follow comprehensive tournament coverage.

Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

Group D features two perennial contenders in South Africa and New Zealand, both desperately seeking their first T20 World Cup title. Afghanistan’s spin prowess makes them dangerous opponents in subcontinental conditions.

Group D Complete Fixtures

Group D Analysis: South Africa and New Zealand headline this group as two teams with excellent records but no T20 World Cup titles. Their direct encounter on February 14 in Ahmedabad could determine the group winner. Afghanistan has proven they can compete with top teams, especially in spinning conditions. Canada returns to the global stage after previous appearances, while UAE represents local cricket development.

Tournament Progression Path

Phase 1: Group Stage (Feb 7-20) Each team plays four matches within their group. The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super Eights phase.

Phase 2: Super Eights (Feb 21-Mar 1) Eight qualified teams are divided into two groups of four. Teams play against opponents from the other original group. The top two from each Super Eight group reach the semifinals.

Phase 3: Knockouts (Mar 4-8)

• Semi-finals: March 4-5 at Kolkata/Colombo and Mumbai
• Final: March 8 at Ahmedabad or Colombo

Key Matches to Watch

Opening Day (February 7, 2026): The tournament opens with three exciting fixtures across two countries. Pakistan faces Netherlands at 11:00 AM in Colombo, West Indies takes on Bangladesh at 3:00 PM in Kolkata, and defending champions India begin their campaign against USA at 7:00 PM in Mumbai.

Biggest Clash: India vs Pakistan on February 15 at 7:00 PM in Colombo will be the most-watched group stage match, continuing one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.

Other Marquee Fixtures:

• England vs West Indies (February 11, Mumbai)
• Australia vs Sri Lanka (February 16, Kandy)
• New Zealand vs South Africa (February 14, Ahmedabad)

What ICC Officials Are Saying

ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlighted the subcontinent’s unmatched passion for cricket, noting that fans have eagerly awaited another global spectacle following the successful Women’s Cricket World Cup. The announcement of fixtures brings the tournament one step closer to reality.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta emphasized that this edition will usher in a new era of global cricketing events. He noted that six different champions in less than two decades demonstrate the competitive nature of T20 cricket, and with 20 teams from five continents competing, this promises to be a feast for cricket fans worldwide.

Complete T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

Here’s the full match schedule for all 40 group stage matches from February 7-20, 2026:

Super Eights fixtures (Feb 21-Mar 1) will be determined after group stage completion. Semi-finals are scheduled for March 4-5, with the final on March 8.

Ticket Information

The ICC has opened registration for ticket interest. Fans can register now to receive notifications when tickets officially go on sale. Given the tournament’s magnitude, especially for high-profile matches like India vs Pakistan, early registration is strongly recommended. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly across all venues.

Why This Tournament Matters

The 2026 edition represents cricket’s return to its biggest market after a decade. With 20 teams representing global cricket diversity and India attempting an unprecedented title defense, the stage is set for memorable moments. The format’s unpredictability means every match carries significant weight.

The subcontinent’s cricket-crazy fans, world-class venues, and perfect weather conditions during February-March create ideal tournament circumstances. Whether you’re following defending champions India, traditional rivals Pakistan, former champions like England and West Indies, or rooting for an underdog story from associates like Nepal or Italy, this tournament promises non-stop entertainment across 29 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the T20 World Cup 2026 start? The tournament begins on February 7, 2026, with three opening day matches. India faces USA in Mumbai at 7:00 PM in the evening fixture.

Which teams are in India’s group? Group A includes India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. India plays Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo at 7:00 PM.

Where is the T20 World Cup 2026 final? The final will be held on March 8, 2026, at either Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

How many teams qualify from each group? The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super Eights phase, making eight teams total.

Can India defend their T20 World Cup title? India is attempting to become the first team ever to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title. No team has achieved this feat in the tournament’s 18-year history.

Which venues will host semi-finals? The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4-5 at Kolkata/Colombo and Mumbai, with the exact allocation to be determined later.