The race to gain qualification to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier has begun, with both Ireland and the Netherlands qualifying from the Europe region. The Netherlands qualified in style with a 65-run win over Germany, and they join Ireland as the two European countries that qualified for the next stage of the event. 

Ireland made their mark in the European Qualifier, having won their first five matches in a row, which ensured they finished top. The Dutch kept their focus in a must-win match against Germany, knowing that a win would finish them in the top two, regardless of what happened in Italy's final game against Ireland. The performance showed how the women's game is growing in the Netherlands, and it is encouraging to see it consistently progressing.

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European Teams Eye World Cup Berths After Qualifier Success

With these outcomes, Ireland and the Netherlands will now compete in the Global Qualifier, where a total of 10 teams will compete for 4 spots at the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England in 2026. Hey, now join Scotland and Bangladesh, who have already secured direct qualification for the qualifier as a result of being there in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

Other areas have also contributed a number of teams to the whole. The USA qualified from the Americas in March 2025, and Bhutan and Thailand qualified from the Asia Qualifier in May.  The final three spots will come in upcoming regional tournaments in Africa and East Asia Pacific, and set the scene for a mix of teams for a competitive tournament. 

The Global Qualifier is going to be an incredible tournament, with some established teams, as well as countries aspiring for a chance on the world stage. For Ireland and the Netherlands, getting to this point signifies their regional prowess and gives them a great opportunity to challenge themselves against stronger international opponents.

As anticipation builds from all parts of Europe, I know that European cricket fans will be paying attention to their teams' preparations and wishing these two teams further historical achievements to qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England.

The countdown has officially commenced for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with the complete fixture for the milestone tournament revealed today. To be staged over seven iconic stadiums in England, the 10th installment of the Women's T20 World Cup will get underway on Friday, 12 June 2026, and end with the final of the grand affair at Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday, 5 July.

The month-long extravaganza will begin with hosts England facing Sri Lanka under lights at Edgbaston, Birmingham, in what is set to be an enthralling curtain-raiser. The tournament has 12 countries, grouped into two pools of six, with 33 matches to be played across 24 days.

Venues Befitting Champions

The seven host venues are:

• Lord's Cricket Ground (London – Final)
• The Oval (London – Semi-finals)
• Edgbaston (Birmingham)
• Old Trafford Cricket Ground (Manchester)
• Headingley (Leeds)
• Hampshire Bowl (Southampton)
• Bristol County Ground (Bristol)

Tournament Format

Two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, both of which will be staged at The Oval, with Group 1 champion vs Group 2 runner-up and vice versa. The final confrontation will take place at the home of cricket, Lord's, guaranteeing a historic conclusion.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group Stage

Full Fixtures – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

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Blockbuster Clashes Await

Fans can look forward to high-voltage rivalries, including:

• India vs Pakistan – June 14 at Edgbaston
• Australia vs South Africa – June 13 at Old Trafford
• West Indies vs New Zealand – June 13 at Hampshire Bowl
• England vs New Zealand – June 27 at The Oval
• Australia vs India – June 28 at Lord’s

Growing Global Representation

Four places will be taken by the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2025, and eight teams are already qualified. The 2026 tournament is expected to bring women's cricket to unheard-of heights of expansion and prominence as cricket superpowers and emerging nations meet.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt called the upcoming World Cup "game-changing," and Beth Barrett-Wild, the tournament director, emphasized how it will revolutionize the image of women's sport.

Tickets and Fan Access

Overwhelming demand was evidenced by the first lot of priority tickets for the Lord's final selling out within one day. Supporters can now buy tickets for all matches and pre-register at womens.t20worldcup.com.