Excitement Builds for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026

The 16th edition of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup is just around the corner, scheduled to begin on January 15, 2026. This eagerly awaited event will take place in the beautiful cricketing landscapes of Zimbabwe and Namibia, setting the stage for future cricket stars to showcase their talents.

Tournament Schedule

The tournament kicks off with a thrilling group stage comprising 24 matches over ten days. Following the group matches, the format will transition to the Super Sixes, culminating in playoffs for teams that do not progress to the knockout rounds. The semi-finals are set for February 3 and 4, with the grand final to take place in Harare on February 6.

For fans eager to keep up, the full schedule is available on various platforms, ensuring everyone can catch their favorite teams in action.

Competing Nations

This edition of the World Cup will feature sixteen teams, a mix of seasoned participants and exciting new entrants. A standout is the Tanzanian team, which made headlines by winning all its matches in the Africa qualifiers. They managed to secure a spot in the World Cup ahead of co-hosts Namibia and Kenya. Notably, the tournament will also see participation from teams like Japan and the USA, adding an international flavor to the competition.

Defending champions Australia will be looking to retain their title, while historically dominant India, with its five victories in past tournaments, aims to extend its record. The anticipated opening match will see India squaring off against the USA.

Tournament Groups

The Under-19 World Cup features a well-structured grouping system, designed to foster strong competition and allow fans to engage with various teams:

• Group A: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
• Group B: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, USA
• Group C: England, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
• Group D: Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, West Indies

These groups are sure to deliver intriguing battles, making every match a must-watch.

Where to Watch

For fans wanting to catch the action live, various platforms will broadcast the matches across different regions:

In India

All matches can be streamed on the JioHotstar app, with live telecasts available on the Star Sports network.

In the UK

Cricket enthusiasts can follow the tournament on Sky Sports, ensuring they don’t miss a minute of the action.

In Pakistan

Fans can enjoy free streaming through the Tamasha app and website, making it accessible for everyone.

In Sri Lanka

Live coverage will be available on Dialog Television, along with streaming on Dialog ViU+ App and The Papare.com website.

In Australia

Matches will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video, a convenient option for cricket lovers down under.

In New Zealand

Fans can watch all action on Sky Sport NZ, ensuring coverage for Kiwi supporters.

In the USA

The tournament will be live-streamed on Willow TV, making it easy for American fans to stay updated.

Live Scores and Updates

As matches unfold, fans can follow live scores and updates through platforms like Wisden, which will provide all the latest statistics, match highlights, and player updates. For those keen on interactive content, quizzes and betting odds related to the tournament will keep cricket enthusiasts engaged throughout the event.

Featured Matches: January 22

A look at the upcoming fixtures on January 22 promises exciting clashes that are sure to captivate audiences:

• Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
• Ireland vs Japan
• South Africa vs West Indies

Fans and analysts alike are eagerly waiting to see how these matches unfold.

Now, as the days count down to the kickoff of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, anticipation rises among fans, players, and cricketing nations around the globe. This tournament is not just about winning; it’s a platform for future cricket stars to rise and showcase their extraordinary talents.