India is gearing up for an exciting start to its 2026 Men’s U-19 World Cup campaign, kicking off against the USA on January 15, 2026. This prestigious tournament will take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia, hosting 16 teams and featuring a remarkable 41 matches over a period of 23 days. India is drawn in Group A alongside the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while other formidable teams, including Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa, compete in different groups. One of the most anticipated matchups could be a thrilling encounter between India and Pakistan if both teams reach the knockout stages.
Group Stage Matches Overview
India’s journey in the tournament will commence at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, where they will face off against the USA. Following this opening match, India will take on Bangladesh on January 17 and New Zealand on January 24, both at the same venue. The group stage comprises four groups of four teams. Notably, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, broken down into two groups of six. This structure not only encourages intense competition but also allows teams to showcase their abilities through multiple matches before the knockout rounds. In Group B, Zimbabwe will square off against Pakistan, England, and Scotland, while Group C features last year’s champions Australia, competing against Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Group D rounds things out with Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan, and South Africa, with Tanzania making their U-19 World Cup debut and Japan returning after last playing in 2020.
Knockout Stage Format
Following the Super Six phase, the tournament will transition into its knockout stage, culminating in two semi-finals and the grand final. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured fans that reserve days will be designated for these pivotal matches to mitigate any disruptions caused by weather conditions. The semi-finals are set for February 3 and 4, with the final scheduled for February 6 at the Harare Sports Club. The knockout format promises to heighten the intensity of competition, with teams like India aiming to leverage their rich history in U-19 cricket.
Venues and Match Schedule
The matches will take place across various venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with notable locations including Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, along with Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval in Windhoek. This variety of venues introduces different playing conditions, adding to the tournament’s allure. A detailed match schedule has been released, featuring fixtures from January 15 to February 6, ensuring that fans can look forward to almost daily cricket action. The tournament is poised to highlight emerging cricket talent as teams vie for the coveted U-19 World Cup title.
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