The ICC has released the full schedule for the 16th Men’s Under-19 World Cup, to be staged in Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026. Harare Sports Club will stage the final, while Bulawayo and Harare will share the semi-finals on 3 and 4 February.
Key details
• 16 teams, four groups of four
• Top three in each group move into the Super Six phase
• Top four overall reach the semi-finals
• Warm-ups: 9–14 January; teams arrive 8 January
• Tournament venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga (Harare), Queens (Bulawayo), Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval (Windhoek)
The draw
Group A: India, Bangladesh, USA, New Zealand
Group B: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland
Group C: Australia (defending champions), Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
Group D: Tanzania, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa
Tanzania will be appearing at a global ICC event for the first time, while Japan return after their maiden outing in 2020. Australia, winners over India in the 2024 final, start their title defence against Ireland in Windhoek on the opening day.
“This event consistently uncovers the next generation of international cricketers,” ICC head of events Chris Tetley said. “Taking the tournament to Zimbabwe and Namibia broadens the pathway and rewards two passionate cricket nations.”
Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni added: “Hosting the final in Harare is a proud moment for us. We look forward to welcoming players, coaches and supporters from across the world.”
Five grounds will share 41 matches. The recently opened Namibia Cricket Ground, situated on the outskirts of Windhoek, stages its first ICC event and is expected to draw sizeable crowds, particularly for fixtures involving South Africa and West Indies, both based there in the early rounds.
Format explained
The group stage remains straight-forward: three matches each, two points for a win, net run rate the tie-breaker. The Super Six carries results forward against sides that have also qualified, a wrinkle designed to reward consistency. From there, the semi-final line-up will be decided, with no extra play-offs.
Analysis
Although Australia and India headline the field, Group B looks the most competitive. England’s quick-bowling depth and Pakistan’s wrist-spin options will test hosts Zimbabwe, themselves buoyed by home conditions. Further east, Tanzania’s debut represents a significant stride for East African cricket, but they face a stern learning curve against three Full Members.
The ICC has left ticket pricing and broadcast details for a later announcement, though local organisers have indicated an emphasis on affordable entry to encourage school and club attendance.
The Under-19 World Cup has long been a bell-wether for senior success: Virat Kohli, Joe Root and Kagiso Rabada are among graduates. In early 2026, a new cohort gets its chance.
