The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, with 12 teams competing for the title in England from June 12 to July 5, 2026. A total of 33 matches will be played across seven iconic venues, ending with the grand final at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
This tournament promises exciting rivalries, high-quality cricket, and a major boost for the global growth of women’s cricket.
Tournament Format
The competition will be played in three main phases:
Group Stage (June 12–28)
- 12 teams divided into two groups of six
- Each team plays the others in its group once
Semi-Finals (June 30 & July 2)
- Top two teams from each group qualify
Final (July 5)
- Winners of the semi-finals compete for the trophy at Lord’s
Groups and Participating Teams
Group 1
- Australia
- India
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- Bangladesh
- Netherlands
Group 2
- England
- New Zealand
- West Indies
- Sri Lanka
- Ireland
- Scotland
Netherlands will make their Women’s T20 World Cup debut, while Bangladesh, Ireland and Scotland qualified through the global qualifiers.
Key Tournament Highlights
- Opening Match: England vs Sri Lanka – June 12, Edgbaston
- Blockbuster Clash: India vs Pakistan – June 14, Edgbaston
- High-profile Match: Australia vs India – June 28, Lord’s
- Semi-Finals: June 30 & July 2 at The Oval
- Final: July 5 at Lord’s
This edition also features the largest field ever in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 14 | India vs Pakistan | Edgbaston | 7:00 PM |
| June 17 | India vs Netherlands | Headingley | 7:00 PM |
| June 21 | India vs South Africa | Old Trafford | 7:00 PM |
| June 25 | India vs Bangladesh | Old Trafford | 7:00 PM |
| June 28 | India vs Australia | Lord’s | 7:00 PM |
India will be aiming for their first Women’s T20 World Cup title after finishing runners-up in 2020.
Full Schedule – Major Fixtures Overview
Opening Week
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| June 12 | England vs Sri Lanka |
| June 13 | Ireland vs Scotland |
| June 13 | Australia vs South Africa |
| June 13 | West Indies vs New Zealand |
| June 14 | Bangladesh vs Netherlands |
| June 14 | India vs Pakistan |
Mid-Tournament Key Matches
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| June 17 | India vs Netherlands |
| June 20 | England vs Scotland |
| June 21 | South Africa vs India |
| June 23 | Australia vs Pakistan |
| June 24 | England vs West Indies |
| June 25 | India vs Bangladesh |
Final Group Matches
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| June 27 | England vs New Zealand |
| June 28 | South Africa vs Bangladesh |
| June 28 | Australia vs India |
Knockout Schedule
| Stage | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final 1 | June 30 | The Oval |
| Semi-Final 2 | July 2 | The Oval |
| Final | July 5 | Lord’s |
Host Venues
The matches will be played across seven major venues in England:
- Edgbaston (Birmingham)
- Old Trafford (Manchester)
- Headingley (Leeds)
- Hampshire Bowl (Southampton)
- Bristol County Ground
- The Oval (London)
- Lord’s (London)
These venues are expected to host packed crowds throughout the tournament.
Teams to Watch
- Australia – Six-time champions and tournament favorites
- New Zealand – Defending champions
- England – Strong contenders at home
- India – ODI world champions and title challengers
- West Indies – 2016 champions with match-winners
The expanded format also gives emerging teams like Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands a big global platform.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
- TV (India): Star Sports Network
- Online Streaming: JioHotstar
Fans can watch all matches live along with highlights and expert analysis.
Why This Edition Is Special
- Largest Women’s T20 World Cup ever (12 teams)
- More global participation and competitive matches
- Strong growth in European women’s cricket
- Major rivalries like India vs Pakistan and England vs New Zealand
- Final at the iconic Lord’s
The tournament is expected to play a big role in increasing the popularity and commercial strength of women’s cricket worldwide.
FAQs
When will the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament will begin on June 12, 2026.
Where is the final?
The final will be played at Lord’s on July 5, 2026.
How many teams are playing?
A total of 12 teams will participate.
When is India vs Pakistan?
India will face Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston.
How many matches will be played?
The tournament will feature 33 matches.
