The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have jointly announced the full schedule for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The global tournament will take place from June 12 to July 5, 2026, across seven cities in England. This will be the first edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup to feature 12 teams, reflecting the growing popularity and expansion of women’s cricket on the international stage.
England will host the tournament for the second time in its history, with the opening match set to take place at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The hosts, England, will play Sri Lanka in the tournament opener under lights on June 12, setting the tone for what promises to be a high-energy, action-packed event.
The 12 teams have been split into two groups of six. Group 1 includes Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, and two qualifier teams. Group 2 comprises England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and two additional qualifiers. Each team will play five group-stage matches, and the top two from each group will progress to the semi-finals.
One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament will be the group stage clash between India and Pakistan, scheduled for June 14 at Edgbaston. These two arch-rivals always attract huge global attention, and this match is expected to be one of the highlights of the World Cup. Australia will begin their campaign against South Africa on June 13, while defending champions New Zealand will take on West Indies on June 13 as well.
Matches will be played at some of England’s most prestigious venues, including Headingley in Leeds, Old Trafford in Manchester, The Oval and Lord’s in London, the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, and Bristol County Ground. The two semi-finals are set to take place at The Oval on June 30 and July 2. The grand finale will be held at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5, marking a symbolic and celebratory end to the tournament.
England’s captain has spoken enthusiastically about the opportunity to play a home World Cup and hopes that the event will inspire a new generation of young girls to take up the sport. Tournament organizers have already reported strong early interest in tickets, particularly for the final at Lord’s, with the first round of priority ticket sales selling out within a day.
This edition of the T20 World Cup is being seen as a pivotal moment for women’s cricket, not only in terms of participation but also in terms of global reach and fan engagement. With expanded teams, an extended schedule, and matches hosted at prime venues, the 2026 tournament is expected to set new records for attendance, viewership, and overall impact.
The ICC and ECB have emphasized that beyond the on-field competition, the tournament aims to elevate women’s sport to new heights. With world-class players, thrilling matchups, and passionate crowds expected, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a watershed moment for the game.
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