3 reasons why the USA could challenge India in T20 World Cup 2026

Team India will start their highly-anticipated World Cup campaign and title defence with a match against the USA on the opening day of the 2026 edition. The match will be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7.

Most people expect an easy win for the No. 1-ranked team, given India’s strong form and skill. But history shows that no team is completely safe. On paper, India is much stronger than the USA in every way, but in the shortest format, one mistake can change everything. Pressure can make even the best teams vulnerable.

Team India must remember that this is not just any associate nation. The USA has built a solid team with good infrastructure and modern training methods, despite some off-field issues.

Here are three reasons why India need to be careful against the USA in the T20 World Cup 2026 match.

Also read -Former Indian skipper picks India’s playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026 overlooking Kuldeep Yadav

1. USA Have Given India 'A' and New Zealand Scares in Recent Games

The USA scored over 200 runs in warm-up matches against India 'A' and New Zealand recently. The India 'A' team had a strong bowling line-up, including international and IPL stars like Khaleel Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mayank Yadav. The Monank Patel-led USA team fell short by 38 runs against India 'A', but they still left a mark, showing they are not an easy side to beat.

Even though it was just a warm-up game, the USA lost to New Zealand by only seven runs. New Zealand was one of the projected semi-finalists, and the USA almost chased 209 runs successfully. At one stage, they had the upper hand, scoring 160 in 16 overs.

However, they could not handle Matt Henry’s experience in the death overs and lost several wickets, falling just short. If they can challenge teams like India 'A' and New Zealand, there is no reason they cannot give a tough fight to India in the T20 World Cup 2026, even if they do not win.

While the USA will not have the luxury of extra batters in a T20I compared to a warm-up match, the small margin of defeat shows why India should not take them lightly.

2. Consistent Performers in the T20 Circuit

The USA entered the 2024 T20 World Cup as hosts, but they were a raw side. They made it to the Super 8 stage, but the gap between them and full-member nations was clear. Over the next 18 months, the players improved a lot, and new players also made an impact, thanks to franchise leagues around the world.

USA skipper Monank Patel led the team well, being the top-scorer in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC), ahead of players like Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Finn Allen, and Rachin Ravindra.

Players like Shubham Ranjane and Sanjay Krishnamurthi also had strong campaigns, scoring with a strike rate above 150.

Experienced bowlers like Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh add both skill and consistency.

Top-order batter Shayan Jahangir performed well for Dubai Capitals in the 2026 International League T20, as did Andries Gous with the winners, Desert Vipers.

3. Only One T20I Loss Since the Start of 2025

The USA do not play many matches outside ICC events and qualifiers, mostly facing smaller teams. But their results still show their strength.

After the 2024 T20 World Cup on home soil, they had a mixed record, winning four out of 11 matches, including a 0-3 loss to Nepal in Dallas.

Since then, they have lost only one match out of nine. Many of the same players also play for the USA ODI team, so this form is important.

Before the warm-up matches in India, the USA played in the ICC World Cup League 2 in 2025, losing only two out of 12 matches. One of those was a super over loss to Oman.