ICC T20 World Cup 2026: England group stage opponents revealed

It may be Ashes season, but the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup is just around the corner as Harry Brook prepares to lead England’s white-ball side at a major tournament for the first time.

Eight venues across India and Sri Lanka are being used for the event between February 7 to March 8 as India set out to become the first nation to defend their crown in the shortest format of the international game.

Following the same structure in 2024, 20 teams will contest the tournament in four groups of five, with the top two teams from each advancing through to the Super 8 stage, where they will be divided into two groups of four.

The final will be hosted in Ahmedabad, unless Pakistan qualify, in which case it will be played in Colombo due to ongoing political tensions.

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England handed tournament debutants Italy

England have been drawn in Group C alongside West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal and newcomers Italy, who overcame Jersey and Scotland in the Europe Regional Final to reach a maiden ICC global event.

The Azurri, who are currently ranked 28th in T20 rankings, will face England in Kolkata on February 16 and boast a number of recognisable names, including Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen and Kent all-rounder Grant Stewart, as well as former Australia Test opener Joe Burns and batter Emilio Gay, who is currently on England Lions duty.

England have failed to beat European opponents in five previous meetings at the World T20, losing to the Netherlands twice in 2009 and 2014, as well as Ireland at the MCG during their triumphant campaign in 2022.

Their opening match against Nepal on February 8 is also a first-time encounter, before they meet fellow two-time champions West Indies – both at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai – and face a potentially tricky encounter with Bangladesh in Kolkata.

India-Pakistan renew rivalry alongside the United States

In a remarkable turn of events, India and Pakistan are once again grouped together as they continue to only play each other at global events, with their much-anticipated clash on February 15 taking place on neutral territory in Colombo.

Pakistan open the tournament against the Netherlands, with Group A also consisting of Namibia and the United States, who famously shocked Pakistan in a Super Over at the last tournament on their way to the Super 8 stage.

Group of death awaits tournament hopefuls

Group D provides some intriguing matchups as New Zealand and South Africa once again go in search of elusive white ball glory, but first need to get past a dangerous Afghanistan outfit, as well as Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

South Africa and Afghanistan met at the semi-final stage in the 2024 edition, whilst New Zealand edged out South Africa in the last four at the Champions Trophy in Lahore earlier this year.

Defending champions India have been drawn in a group with Pakistan, the United States, the Netherlands, and Namibia.

Ireland to face co-hosts and Australia

2021 champions Australia are in Group B, which also comprises co-hosts Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.

Ireland suffered a disappointing 2024 campaign after progressing to the Super 12 stage in 2022 and have never beaten Australia or Sri Lanka in any form of cricket, whilst Zimbabwe recently defeated Sri Lanka during their ongoing Tri-Series with Pakistan.

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