ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 started heating up when the format changed. Cricketer.io would like to share the World Cup 2027 teams and ODI schedule for each team that will play ODIs before this World Cup. It will be scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027. The tournament will feature an expanded 14-team competition along with a newly introduced format designed to increase competitiveness.
This guide provides the latest World Cup 2027 teams and ODI schedule, qualification status, expected ODI preparations, and the bilateral series likely to shape each team’s World Cup campaign. The information is updated as of July 2026.
World Cup 2027 Format Explained
The ICC has confirmed that the 2027 edition will feature 14 teams and a revised three-stage tournament structure.
- A Super Series involving the three lowest-ranked qualified teams.
- Two groups of six teams in the main stage.
- A Super 7 round before the semi-finals.
- Semi-finals and Final.
The updated format aims to make every match more meaningful throughout the tournament.
World Cup 2027 Teams Qualification Status
As of July 2026, only the host nations have automatic qualification confirmed.
| Team | Qualification Status |
|---|---|
| South Africa | Qualified (Host) |
| Zimbabwe | Qualified (Host) |
| Namibia | Host (Qualification through ICC pathway) |
| India | Qualification race ongoing |
| Australia | Qualification race ongoing |
| England | Qualification race ongoing |
| Pakistan | Qualification race ongoing |
| New Zealand | Qualification race ongoing |
| Sri Lanka | Qualification race ongoing |
| Bangladesh | Qualification race ongoing |
| Afghanistan | Qualification race ongoing |
Note: Final qualification will depend on the ICC qualification pathway and rankings before the qualification deadline.
World Cup 2027 Teams and ODI Schedule Before the Tournament
Although the complete international calendar is yet to be finalized, the ICC Future Tours Programme and announced bilateral commitments indicate a busy preparation period for most leading nations.
| Team | Expected ODI Matches Before World Cup |
|---|---|
| India | 18–21 |
| Australia | 20–24 |
| Pakistan | 18–22 |
| England | 15–18 |
| South Africa | 16–20 |
| New Zealand | 18–22 |
| Sri Lanka | 15–19 |
| Bangladesh | 18–22 |
| Afghanistan | 12–15 |
| Zimbabwe | 15–20 |
These figures are estimates based on the current FTP and may change if additional bilateral series or tri-series are announced.
Key ODI Series to Watch
Several bilateral series are expected to play an important role in shaping squads before the World Cup.
India
- Sri Lanka (Away)
- New Zealand (Home)
- England (Home)
- Australia (Away)
Australia
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- India
- England
- Bangladesh
Pakistan
- Australia
- South Africa
- Bangladesh
- Zimbabwe
England
- India
- Australia
- West Indies
- Ireland
These matches will help teams finalize combinations, test young players, and prepare for South African conditions.
Which Teams Have the Best Preparation?
Australia, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand are expected to enjoy the busiest ODI schedules before the tournament. A higher number of ODI matches provides valuable opportunities to settle batting orders, identify bowling combinations, and manage player workloads.
England and Afghanistan are projected to play comparatively fewer ODIs, making every bilateral series even more significant ahead of the World Cup.
Learn more about the ICC World Cup 2027 format and understand how the new tournament structure, Super Series, and Super 7 stages will work.
Why the ODI Schedule Matters
The World Cup 2027 teams and ODI schedule will directly influence squad selection and tournament readiness. Teams use bilateral ODI cricket to:
- Test new players.
- Build batting partnerships.
- Finalize bowling attacks.
- Adapt to overseas conditions.
- Improve fielding standards.
- Develop match-winning combinations.
With South Africa and Zimbabwe offering varied playing conditions, preparation through competitive ODI cricket could become a decisive factor in the race for the title.
For the latest qualification pathway and official tournament announcements, visit the ICC Cricket website.
FAQs
Which teams have qualified for the 2027 Cricket World Cup?
South Africa and Zimbabwe have qualified automatically as co-hosts. The remaining teams will qualify through the ICC pathway.
Will Namibia automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup?
No. Namibia must qualify through the ICC qualification pathway despite being a co-host.
How many teams will play the 2027 World Cup?
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will feature 14 teams.
Which team is expected to play the most ODIs before the World Cup?
Australia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand are expected to play the most ODI matches before the tournament.
Conclusion
Teams are getting prepared for the biggest cricket stage
The World Cup 2027 teams and ODI schedule will continue to evolve as more bilateral fixtures and qualification results are confirmed. South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their places as hosts. Every ODI series from jul 2026 to 2027 will play a critical role in making sure qualification, team combinations, and momentum.