The highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has finalized its 20-team lineup, with the tournament set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The final three qualification spots were secured this week, with Nepal, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) clinching their places through the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. This marks a significant achievement for these nations, with Nepal set for their third T20 World Cup appearance and second consecutive one. Oman will be participating for the fourth time, while the UAE makes their third appearance and first since 2022.
Italy is set to make its debut in the T20 World Cup, having qualified via the European Qualifier alongside the Netherlands. The tournament will be held in the early months of 2026. India enters as the defending champions, having triumphed over South Africa in the 2024 final. They join England and the West Indies as multiple T20 World Cup winners.
The 2026 edition will mirror the 2024 format, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eights stage, which will consist of two groups of four. The top two from these Super Eights groups will then compete in the semi-finals.
The full list of qualified teams includes: India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, and UAE.