The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka as co-hosts. Group A includes India, Pakistan, Namibia, the USA, and the Netherlands.
On February 7, Pakistan will play against the Netherlands in Colombo, while India faces the USA in Mumbai. Notably, Pakistan has decided to boycott their match against India on February 15, which will award India two points automatically.
Two teams from this five-member group will advance to the Super 8 stage. The Super 8 will be split into two groups, with the top sides progressing to the semifinals.
This T20 World Cup marks its 10th edition, having started in 2007. India are the defending champions, having won the previous tournament in 2024.
Here’s a look at Namibia, the USA, and the Netherlands ahead of the tournament.
Namibia
Namibia will participate in their fourth T20 World Cup. They debuted in 2021, reaching the Super 12. In 2022, they were eliminated in the first round, and in 2024, they exited at the group stage. To date, they have played 15 World Cup matches, recording five wins and ten losses.
Namibia qualified for the 2026 tournament through the Africa Regional Qualifier, topping Group A unbeaten. They reached the final of the Africa Qualifier but lost to Zimbabwe, which allowed them to secure a spot in the World Cup.
Namibia squad for T20 World Cup: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo. Reserve: Alexander Volschenk.
Key Player: Captain Gerhard Erasmus is Namibia’s leading run-scorer in T20Is with 1,833 runs from 77 matches at an average of 32.15. He has recorded 13 fifties and one century, having scored 305 runs at 23.46 in 15 T20 World Cup matches.
Namibia’s Schedule at the T20 World Cup 2026
Netherlands vs Namibia – February 10, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
India vs Namibia – February 12, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
USA vs Namibia – February 15, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Pakistan vs Namibia – February 18, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Namibia’s first match starts at 11:00 AM IST, followed by a 7:00 PM IST game against India. Their third match will start at 3:00 PM IST, with the final group game also at 3:00 PM IST.
USA
The USA will compete in their second T20 World Cup, having made their debut in 2024. They performed well, reaching the Super 8, with two wins and four losses, and one match abandoned. Notably, they won against Canada and Pakistan, with the latter match ending in a tie before the Super Over.
The USA automatically qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup by reaching the Super 8 stage in 2024.
USA squad for T20 World Cup: Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.
Key Player: Monank Patel leads the batting lineup with experience, having scored 920 runs in 43 T20Is at an average of 27.87, including one century and six fifties.
USA’s Schedule at the T20 World Cup
India vs USA – February 7, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Pakistan vs USA – February 10, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
USA vs Netherlands – February 13, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
USA vs Namibia – February 15, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
The USA’s first three games will start at 7:00 PM IST, with the final match at 3:00 PM IST.
Netherlands
The Netherlands will make their seventh appearance in the ICC T20 World Cup, having debuted in 2009. They played two matches in their first tournament, winning one. They reached the Super 10 in 2014 but exited at the group stage in 2016 and 2021, and made it to the Super 12 in 2022. They exited at the group stage in 2024.
Out of 27 ICC T20 World Cup matches, the Netherlands have won 10 and lost 16, with one match having no result.
The Netherlands qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup through the Europe Regional Qualifier, finishing top of the standings after defeating Italy in their final match.
Netherlands squad for T20 World Cup: Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.
Key Player: Bas de Leede is a strong all-rounder with 723 runs at an average of 24.93. He has taken 39 wickets in 45 matches.
Netherlands’ Schedule at the T20 World Cup
Pakistan vs Netherlands – February 7, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Netherlands vs Namibia – February 10, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
USA vs Netherlands – February 13, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
India vs Netherlands – February 18, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Netherlands’ first two matches will start at 11:00 AM IST, while the final two group games will begin at 7:00 PM IST.
