- Full Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture schedule and key dates
- England hosts expanded 12 team tournament across seven venues
- New Zealand defends title as Australia chases seventh crown
The countdown is almost over as England prepares to welcome the biggest Women’s T20 World Cup in the tournament’s history, with 12 nations set to battle for global glory across some of the country’s most iconic cricket venues.
Beginning on 12 June and culminating with the final at Lord’s on 5 July, the competition marks a significant milestone for the women’s game. For the first time, the tournament will feature 12 teams, reflecting the continued growth and global reach of women’s cricket.
Defending champions New Zealand arrive looking to retain the crown they claimed in 2024, while hosts England will be eager to make the most of home conditions in front of packed crowds.
A growing global event
Since its launch in 2009, the Women’s T20 World Cup has evolved into one of cricket’s premier international events. What started as a nine team competition has steadily expanded, with plans already in place for a 16 team tournament in 2030.
Australia remain the most successful side in the event’s history with six titles to their name. England, West Indies and New Zealand have each lifted the trophy once.
The 12 teams competing this summer are Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Ireland, Bangladesh, Scotland and the Netherlands.
England secured automatic qualification as hosts, while several leading nations earned their places through performances at the previous World Cup and ICC rankings. Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands booked their tickets through the qualifying tournament earlier this year.
Teams by ICC Women’s T20I ranking
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Australia |
| 2 | England |
| 3 | India |
| 4 | New Zealand |
| 5 | South Africa |
| 6 | West Indies |
| 7 | Sri Lanka |
| 8 | Pakistan |
| 9 | Ireland |
| 10 | Bangladesh |
| 11 | Scotland |
| 14 | Netherlands |
Race for the knockout stages
The competition will begin with two groups of six teams. Each nation will face every other side in its group once, with the top two progressing to the semi finals.
Group A
| Team |
| Australia |
| Bangladesh |
| India |
| Netherlands |
| Pakistan |
| South Africa |
Group B
| Team |
| England |
| Ireland |
| New Zealand |
| Scotland |
| Sri Lanka |
| West Indies |
With only four semi final spots available, every match could prove decisive.
Famous grounds ready for centre stage
Matches will be played at seven venues across England, offering a fitting stage for the world’s best players.
Tournament venues
| Venue | Capacity |
| Lord’s, London | 31,100 |
| The Oval, London | 27,500 |
| Old Trafford, Manchester | 26,000 |
| Edgbaston, Birmingham | 25,000 |
| Hampshire Bowl, Southampton | 25,000 |
| Headingley, Leeds | 18,350 |
| Bristol County Ground, Bristol | 17,500 |
The spread of venues ensures supporters across the country will have the chance to experience world class women’s cricket throughout the competition.
Key matches to watch
The tournament opens with England taking on Sri Lanka on 12 June, a fixture that will immediately place the hosts under the spotlight.
One of the most anticipated clashes arrives on 14 June when India face Pakistan in a match that is certain to attract global attention.
England’s group campaign also includes encounters against Ireland, Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand, with the meeting against the White Ferns on 27 June potentially carrying major semi final implications.
Meanwhile, Group A features heavyweight contests between Australia and South Africa, India and South Africa and a blockbuster showdown between Australia and India on 28 June.
Opening week fixtures
| Date | Fixture |
| 12 June | England vs Sri Lanka |
| 13 June | Scotland vs Ireland |
| 13 June | Australia vs South Africa |
| 13 June | West Indies vs New Zealand |
| 14 June | Bangladesh vs Netherlands |
| 14 June | India vs Pakistan |
| 16 June | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka |
| 16 June | England vs Ireland |
| 17 June | Australia vs Bangladesh |
| 17 June | India vs Netherlands |
| 17 June | South Africa vs Pakistan |
| 18 June | West Indies vs Scotland |
| 19 June | New Zealand vs Ireland |
Mid tournament fixtures
| Date | Fixture |
| 20 June | Australia vs Netherlands |
| 20 June | Pakistan vs Bangladesh |
| 20 June | England vs Scotland |
| 21 June | West Indies vs Sri Lanka |
| 21 June | South Africa vs India |
| 23 June | New Zealand vs Scotland |
| 23 June | Sri Lanka vs Ireland |
| 23 June | Australia vs Pakistan |
| 24 June | England vs West Indies |
| 25 June | India vs Bangladesh |
| 25 June | South Africa vs Netherlands |
| 26 June | Sri Lanka vs Scotland |
Final group stage matches
| Date | Fixture |
| 27 June | Pakistan vs Netherlands |
| 27 June | West Indies vs Ireland |
| 27 June | England vs New Zealand |
| 28 June | South Africa vs Bangladesh |
| 28 June | Australia vs India |
T20 World Cup 2026 knockout stage
The race for the trophy reaches its climax at the end of June, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi finals before the final takes place at the Home of Cricket.
| Date | Fixture |
| 30 June | Semi final 1 |
| 2 July | Semi final 2 |
| 5 July | Final |
Record prize fund on offer
The International Cricket Council has increased the tournament’s prize fund to US$8.8 million (£6.6 million), representing a 10% rise from the 2024 edition.
Every participating nation is guaranteed record earnings, with minimum participation payments more than doubling compared with the previous tournament.
The increase continues the momentum created after the ICC introduced equal prize money for men’s and women’s World Cups, a move widely regarded as a landmark moment for the sport.
As anticipation builds, the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup promises not only a battle for silverware but also another major step forward for the women’s game. With larger crowds expected, more teams involved and some of cricket’s biggest stars on display, England is set to host a celebration of the sport on its grandest stage.
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