The future of international cricket takes center stage with the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule, a tournament that has long been cricket’s most reliable talent factory. From raw pace to fearless batting, this event consistently reveals players who soon dominate the senior stage.
Scheduled from 15 January to 6 February 2026, the tournament will be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, bringing elite youth cricket to Southern Africa. A total of 16 teams, 41 matches, and five venues promise three weeks of relentless competition and high emotion.
For fans tracking emerging stars or planning match coverage, this guide brings everything together — fixtures, format, venues, and knockout paths — in one place.
Why the Under-19 World Cup Still Matters
The ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule shows why the ICC youth cricket tournament 2026 is more than a junior event — it is a pressure cooker where reputations are built early. Previous editions introduced names like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Babar Azam to the world.
As former fast bowler Ian Bishop once observed:
“The Under-19 World Cup strips cricket down to its purest form — talent, temperament, and courage under pressure.”
That tradition continues in 2026.
Tournament Format at a Glance
The competition follows a proven structure designed to maximize meaningful matches:
- Group Stage: 16 teams split into four groups
- Super Six Stage: Top three teams from each group qualify
- Knockouts: Two semi-finals and the final
This format ensures that strong teams play each other repeatedly, a theme clearly reflected in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule, raising the overall standard of competition.
Group Stage Fixtures: Early Momentum Builders
The opening phase runs from 15 to 24 January, setting the rhythm of the tournament. Heavyweights like India, Australia, England, and South Africa will be tested early, while associate nations get invaluable exposure.
Matches will be played across Harare, Bulawayo, and Windhoek, ensuring balanced conditions and varied pitches — a key factor shaping the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule and overall Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 fixtures.
Group Stage Fixtures
| Date | Match No. | Group | Matchup | Venue | Local Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 15 Jan ’26 | 1st Match | Group B | India U19s vs USA U19s | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Thu, 15 Jan ’26 | 2nd Match | Group C | Zimbabwe U19s vs Scotland U19s | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Thu, 15 Jan ’26 | 3rd Match | Group D | Tanzania U19s vs West Indies U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Fri, 16 Jan ’26 | 4th Match | Group C | England U19s vs Pakistan U19s | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Fri, 16 Jan ’26 | 5th Match | Group A | Australia U19s vs Ireland U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Fri, 16 Jan ’26 | 6th Match | Group D | Afghanistan U19s vs South Africa U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Sat, 17 Jan ’26 | 7th Match | Group B | Bangladesh U19s vs India U19s | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Sat, 17 Jan ’26 | 8th Match | Group A | Japan U19s vs Sri Lanka U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Sun, 18 Jan ’26 | 9th Match | Group B | New Zealand U19s vs USA U19s | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Sun, 18 Jan ’26 | 10th Match | Group C | Zimbabwe U19s vs England U19s | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Sun, 18 Jan ’26 | 11th Match | Group D | Afghanistan U19s vs West Indies U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Mon, 19 Jan ’26 | 12th Match | Group C | Pakistan U19s vs Scotland U19s | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Mon, 19 Jan ’26 | 13th Match | Group A | Ireland U19s vs Sri Lanka U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Mon, 19 Jan ’26 | 14th Match | Group D | South Africa U19s vs Tanzania U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Tue, 20 Jan ’26 | 15th Match | Group B | Bangladesh U19s vs New Zealand U19s | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Tue, 20 Jan ’26 | 16th Match | Group A | Australia U19s vs Japan U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Wed, 21 Jan ’26 | 17th Match | Group C | England U19s vs Scotland U19s | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Wed, 21 Jan ’26 | 18th Match | Group D | Afghanistan U19s vs Tanzania U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Thu, 22 Jan ’26 | 19th Match | Group C | Zimbabwe U19s vs Pakistan U19s | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Thu, 22 Jan ’26 | 20th Match | Group A | Ireland U19s vs Japan U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Thu, 22 Jan ’26 | 21st Match | Group D | South Africa U19s vs West Indies U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Fri, 23 Jan ’26 | 22nd Match | Group B | Bangladesh U19s vs USA U19s | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Fri, 23 Jan ’26 | 23rd Match | Group A | Australia U19s vs Sri Lanka U19s | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Sat, 24 Jan ’26 | 24th Match | Group B | India U19s vs New Zealand U19s | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
Check out Cricket Schedule (Matches & Timings):
Latest International & Domestic Cricket Schedule
Key Venues to Watch
Understanding conditions is crucial when following the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 match list by venue. Each ground offers something different:
- Harare Sports Club: Traditionally balanced, rewards discipline
- Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo: Slower surface, favors spinners
- Namibia Cricket Ground: True bounce, ideal for stroke play
- HP Oval, Windhoek: Morning movement for seamers
These grounds will shape tactics throughout the tournament.
Groups and Competitive Balance
The U19 World Cup 2026 groups and venues have been arranged to keep contests tight. No group looks easy on paper, and the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule reflects why recent youth performances suggest multiple upsets are likely.
Defending champions Australia and five-time winners India once again enter as favorites, but recent editions have shown that reputation counts for little at this level.
Super Six Stage: Where Pressure Peaks
From 25 January to 1 February, the Super Six phase narrows the field. Points earned against fellow qualifiers carry forward, making every early result crucial.
This stage is central to the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 full match schedule, as it determines semi-final matchups and momentum.
Super Six Fixtures
| Date | Match No. | Stage | Matchup | Venue | Local Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, 25 Jan ’26 | 25th Match | Super Six (Group 1) | A1 vs D3 | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Sun, 25 Jan ’26 | 26th Match | Super Six (Group 1) | A3 vs D2 | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Mon, 26 Jan ’26 | 27th Match | Super Six (Group 2) | B2 vs C1 | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Mon, 26 Jan ’26 | 28th Match | Super Six (Group 1) | A2 vs D1 | Windhoek | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Tue, 27 Jan ’26 | 29th Match | Super Six (Group 2) | B3 vs C2 | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Tue, 27 Jan ’26 | 30th Match | Super Six (Group 2) | B1 vs C3 | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Wed, 28 Jan ’26 | 31st Match | Super Six (Group 1) | A1 vs D2 | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Thu, 29 Jan ’26 | 32nd Match | Super Six (Group 1) | A2 vs D3 | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Fri, 30 Jan ’26 | 33rd Match | Super Six (Group 1) | A3 vs D1 | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Fri, 30 Jan ’26 | 34th Match | Super Six (Group 2) | B3 vs C1 | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Sat, 31 Jan ’26 | 35th Match | Super Six (Group 2) | B2 vs C3 | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Sun, 01 Feb ’26 | 36th Match | Super Six (Group 2) | B1 vs C2 | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
Find out more Cricket Series (Upcoming & Ongoing Tours):
Complete List of Ongoing & Upcoming Cricket Series
Knockout Matches: No Room for Error
The final stretch of the tournament delivers pure drama:
| Date | Stage | Matchup | Venue | Local Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 03 Feb ’26 | 1st Semi-Final | P1 (Group 1) vs P2 (Group 2) | Bulawayo | 9:30 am (7:30 am) |
| Wed, 04 Feb ’26 | 2nd Semi-Final | P2 (Group 1) vs P1 (Group 2) | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
| Fri, 06 Feb ’26 | Final | Match yet to begin | Harare | 10:00 am (8:00 am) |
- Semi-Finals: 3 & 4 February
- Final: 6 February, Harare
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting summed it up best:
“At Under-19 level, skill gets you noticed — but handling pressure gets you remembered.”
The team lifting the trophy will have earned it the hard way.
How to Follow the Tournament Better
For full coverage beyond the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule, readers can explore:
- Match previews and predictions on Cricketer.io
- Team-wise schedules and squad updates
- Venue-based performance insights
Internal coverage will also track standout players likely to break into senior national squads.
Final Insight
The ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule highlights why this tournament remains cricket’s most honest examination of talent and temperament. With competitive groups, diverse venues, and a demanding format, the 2026 edition promises moments fans will remember long after the final ball is bowled.
If history is any guide, the next global superstar is already warming up.
Explore Cricket Teams (All Nations & Squads):
All International & Associate Cricket Teams Guide
FAQs: ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Schedule
Which countries are hosting the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026?
Zimbabwe and Namibia are co-hosting the tournament across five venues.
How many teams are participating in the tournament?
A total of 16 teams will compete in the event.
How long does the tournament last?
The competition runs for 23 days, from 15 January to 6 February 2026.
What happens after the group stage?
The top three teams from each group qualify for the Super Six stage.
Where will the final be played?
The final is scheduled to take place in Harare.