After the Women’s World Cup, another World Cup is now around the corner for the fans. And it is the much awaited Under-19 World Cup, where the young talents give it all for their country. The clashes will be intense even in the Under-19 World Cup, as these are
The Under-19 World Cup has now been confirmed by the ICC to commence on 15 January 2026. With all the teams going against each other, fans wonder which team will be able to get their hands on the coveted World Cup title. Australia will also be entering this tournament as the defending champions.
1. Under-19 World Cup 2026
The ICC has now confirmed everything which one should know about the Under-19 World Cup 2026. Fans can even take a look at the schedule of the tournament on the official website, to know when they will be able to watch their teams play against the others. The tournament is all set to commence on 15 January and the finals
on 6 February.
Taking a look at the format of the same, it is similar to that of the previous edition. The last time the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup was played was in 2024, just after the Men’s World Cup 2023 hosted by India. In the upcoming edition too, there are a total of 16 teams which have been
with four teams each.
There are a total of 41 matches which will take place in the tournament. And following the group stage games, there will be a Super Sixes stage, to determine which teams will make it to the finals. Tanzania will be making its debut in the Under-19 World Cup, and Japan will also be making its return to the same.
2. Jay Shah on Under-19 World Cup
The ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, also spoke on the Under-19 World Cup, after the schedule of the tournament was announced.
, “The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.”
, “As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket. This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.”
Jay Shah also welcomed Tanzania to the Under-19 World Cup. The team will be making its debut in the next edition to which Jay Shah said,”We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams. I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”
3. Groups and Schedule
As discussed before, the teams in the Under-19 World Cup are 16 and have been divided into groups. This means the tournament will be having a total of four groups, having four teams each. It also makes the fans anticipate to know
in which Group in the tournament.
Groups in ICC Under-19 World Cup:
- Group A: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
- Group B: India, Bangladesh, USA, New Zealand
- Group C: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland
- Group D: Tanzania, West Indies, Scotland, South Africa
India is the most successful team in the history of the tournament, having won the title five times. The team will have its first match against USA on 15 January, which will be followed by its next clash against Bangladesh on 17 January. India will also be ending the group stages of the tournament with its clash against New Zealand on 24 January.