Mumbai: England will host the biggest edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, marking a significant step forward for the tournament. For the first time, 12 teams will compete, expanding the scale and competitiveness of the global event.
The tournament will begin on June 12 with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, and conclude with the final at Lord’s on July 5. Matches will be played across major venues including The Oval, Old Trafford, and Headingley, ensuring wide reach and strong fan engagement.
The 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six, with each side playing the others in its group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, maintaining the familiar structure while increasing the intensity of competition.
Group A features strong contenders such as Australia, India, and South Africa, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Group B includes defending champions New Zealand, hosts England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Scotland.
Alongside the expanded format, the tournament will also see increased financial incentives. The total prize pool has been raised by 10% compared to the previous edition, with the winners set to receive over $2.3 million. All participating teams will receive a guaranteed share, reflecting the growing investment and global interest in women’s cricket.
Teams have qualified through a combination of direct entries and a competitive qualification process, allowing emerging nations to compete alongside established cricketing powers.
With more teams, enhanced prize money, and matches scheduled at iconic venues, the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is expected to play a key role in accelerating the global growth of the women’s game.
