The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in 2026 is set to be held at Lord’s on July 5th, marking a significant event for women’s cricket in the UK. This prestigious venue, known for its historic significance in cricket, last hosted a major women’s final in 2017 when England claimed the 50-over World Cup against India.
The Women’s T20 World Cup is expanding to a 12-team tournament, with matches being played across six other esteemed venues: Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, The Oval, and Bristol County Ground. The tournament will feature 33 matches over 24 days.
Defending champions New Zealand, who triumphed in the UAE last year, will be among the eight teams already assured of a place in the 2026 event. The line-up includes top-performing sides such as Australia, England, India, South Africa, and the West Indies, alongside Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who qualified based on ICC Women’s T20I rankings. Four additional teams will earn their spots through a qualification tournament next year.
ICC Chair Jay Shah noted, “The UK’s rich diversity has always shown passionate support for all teams, something we witnessed so memorably at past events.” He emphasised Lord’s as being an ideal venue due to its historic sell-out final in 2017. “This World Cup will grow a new generation of fans,” he added, referencing the event’s potential impact leading up to cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, expressed excitement about the final being at Lord’s, saying, “It is one of the finest venues in world cricket and every cricketer dreams of being part of occasions like a World Cup final at Lord’s.” Gould believes this event will broaden the reach of women’s cricket, engaging new fans of all ages and contributing to a longer-term movement in the sport.
Beth Barrett-Wild, Director of Women’s Professional Game at the ECB, together with Rob Hillman, Director of Major Events, will oversee the tournament. As the cricketing community looks towards 2026, the event promises not just thrilling on-field action but an opportunity to elevate the sport to new heights.
The 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final, which saw a record-breaking crowd of 86,174 at Australia’s MCG, serves as a reminder of the growing support for women’s cricket globally. As preparations are underway for the 2026 tournament, there is a sense of anticipation and hope that it will capture the imagination of cricket fans around the world.
