The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, expanding its participant list to offer greater global representation. The qualification system combines automatic berths with regional tournaments, ensuring a competitive selection process.

Automatic Qualification Spots

• Hosts: As co-hosts, India and Sri Lanka automatically qualify.
• 2024 T20 World Cup Top Teams: The top eight teams from the 2024 tournament earn direct entry.
• ICC T20I Rankings: The next three highest-ranked teams, excluding those already qualified, also secure spots.

Regional Qualifiers

Eight more teams will advance through regional qualification tournaments. These qualifiers are structured as follows:

• Africa Region: Two spots are available. Teams progress through sub-regional events to a regional final.
• Americas Region: One team qualifies. Nine teams competed in a sub-regional event held in Argentina from December 6–16, 2024. Top performers move on to the regional final.
• Asia and East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Regions: These regions share three qualification spots. Teams advance from sub-regional competitions to a regional final.
• Europe Region: Two teams qualify. The process begins with sub-regional events, such as Qualifier A held in Italy from June 9–16, 2024, leading to a regional final.

Standout Performances in Qualifiers

• Zimbabwe’s Record-Breaking Innings: Zimbabwe scored a record 344 runs against The Gambia in the Africa sub-regional qualifiers. Sikandar Raza shone with 133 runs off just 43 balls.
• Nigeria’s Stunning Win: Nigeria bowled out Ivory Coast for only seven runs, achieving one of the most dominant victories in T20 history during the Africa sub-regional qualifiers.

Regional Final Details

The regional finals are set to determine the remaining spots. The scheduled events are:

• Africa Regional Final: Dates are yet to be announced.
• Americas Regional Final: Dates are yet to be announced.
• Asia and EAP Regional Final: This will take place in 2025 in Malaysia.
• Europe Regional Final: Dates are yet to be announced.

These matches promise thrilling cricket and the finalization of teams for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.