As the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 concludes, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the teams that are automatically qualified for the T20 World Cup 2028.
This announcement excites cricket fans, revealing that 12 teams have earned their spots for the next global T20 event. Some qualified through strong performances in the current tournament, while others secured their places through hosting rights or ICC rankings.
Australia and New Zealand, as co-hosts of the 2028 edition, are guaranteed direct entry. A number of prominent cricket nations have joined them after advancing to the Super Eights in 2026, showcasing their excellence in this format.
Super Eights Success Leads to Rewards
Advancing to the Super Eights is a significant achievement, and the ICC has acknowledged this with direct qualifications for 2028.
Teams such as India, South Africa, England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have secured their places through impressive campaigns. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and West Indies also earned their qualifications, demonstrating their development on the global stage.
For Zimbabwe, this qualification signals important progress, while the West Indies, former two-time T20 World Cup winners, see it as a chance to reclaim their past glory.
Having their spots confirmed early allows these teams to focus on long-term strategies leading up to the 2028 tournament.
Rankings Complete the Final Spots
Along with the nine teams confirmed through hosting rights and Super Eights results, three additional nations have made the cut via the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.
Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland are expected to fill the last automatic spots, pending official confirmation on March 9, the day after the 2026 final. With no matches that could affect the rankings before this date, their qualification is all but assured.
The ICC has confirmed that the final three automatic places will be awarded to the highest-ranked teams not already qualified, based on the rankings as of March 9.
Pathway Open for More Teams
While 12 teams have qualified, the T20 World Cup 2028 will also include other teams determined through regional and global qualifiers over the next two years.
This format gives emerging cricket nations a chance to excel at the highest level. The qualifiers are expected to be highly competitive as Associate teams and developing cricket nations aim for recognition.
List of 12 Teams Qualified for T20 World Cup 2028
| Team | Qualification Criteria |
|---|---|
| India | Super Eights |
| Australia | Co-host |
| New Zealand | Super Eights / Co-host |
| South Africa | Super Eights |
| Zimbabwe | Super Eights |
| West Indies | Super Eights |
| England | Super Eights |
| Pakistan | Super Eights |
| Sri Lanka | Super Eights |
| Bangladesh | ICC T20I Ranking |
| Afghanistan | ICC T20I Ranking |
| Ireland | ICC T20I Ranking |
