The 10th edition of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway this week with three matches to be held across co-hosts India and Sri Lanka. On the opening day of the contest, Pakistan take on the Netherlands while West Indies lock horns with Scotland before defending champions India square off against USA.
As many as 20 teams are taking part in the T20 showpiece including India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ireland, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Zimbabwe, Oman, Nepal, Canada and UAE.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has shortlisted his four semi-finalists which include title holders India, two-time winners England, 2021 runners-up New Zealand and former champions
Australia.
“My 4 T20 World Cup semi-finalists will be … India, England, NZ & Australia,” Vaughan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
My 4 T20 World Cup semi finalists will be … India , England , NZ & Australia … #OnOn #India
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 2, 2026
The Suryakumar Yadav-led India are eyeing history as they aim to become the first team in T20 World Cup history to defend the title. Additionally, no team has ever won the title as hosts. No team has won more than two titles either, with India, England and West Indies being the three nations to have won the competition more than once.
India have been pooled alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia in Group A. They will open their campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7 before moving northwards to the national capital to face Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium five days later.
India will then fly to Colombo to take on Pakistan. However, dark clouds of uncertainty are hanging over the blockbuster clash with the Pakistan government announcing that the team won’t take the field against India without specifying a reason.
India will conclude their group-stage campaign against Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.
The 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five each. The top-two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8s where they will be placed in two groups of four each – Group 1 and Group 2.
The top-two teams from each group of the second round will clash in the semi-finals scheduled to be held on March 4 and March 5.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-177010122433114975.webp)
