The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Nepal as the host for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers from January 12 to February 02 next year. All ten teams will battle it out for the four vital spots in the main event, which is set to take place in England and Wales in the middle of next year.

Bangladesh and Scotland have already earned the automatic spots in the round thanks to their participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Thailand and Nepal qualified through the Asia regional route, while the United States of America (USA) earned the spot from the Americas region.

See Also: Playing XI for India and England in ongoing ENG vs IND 5th Test

The last five spots of the competition will be filled by the two teams from Africa and Europe, and one from the East Asia-Pacific region, after the completion of the respective regional qualifiers. The tournament in Nepal will see the 10 teams getting divided into two groups, after which a Super Six stage and a final will take place.

Nepal to host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier

The full schedule of the event is going to be announced in the upcoming few weeks. The event will have 12 teams participating for the first time in the history of the competition, which is up from ten sides who played in the previous edition in the United Arab Emirates. The White Ferns won the last season, having beaten South Africa in the final last year at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The main event of the 2026 will begin on Jun 12 between the home side, England, and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. These two teams are in the second group along with the West Indies, New Zealand, and two qualifier sides. In the case of Group 1, they had Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, and two other qualifier teams.

Along with Edgbaston, Old Trafford in Manchester, the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, Leeds at Headingley, and the Bristol County Ground will also host the game. The Kennington Oval will host the two semifinals, while Lord’s will see the final on July 5, besides hosting the game between England and the West Indies, South Africa, and a qualifier side.

England is all set to host the biggest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, with 12 teams playing across seven cities from June 12 to July 5. The tournament will begin with England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston and end with the final at Lord’s. A total of 33 matches will be played at famous grounds like The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, and Bristol.

India has been placed in Group 1 along with Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and two qualifying teams. Group 2 includes England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and two more qualifiers. The semi-finals will be played at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, and the final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.

"But India being in the same group as Pakistan has once again started debate. Before the groups were announced, there were reports that India didn’t want to be clubbed with Pakistan. The reason was clear India didn’t want to give any kind of benefit to a country linked to terrorism".

India has taken a strong stand by cutting off cricketing ties with Pakistan in recent years. So now, being placed in the same group raises questions. Many feel this move goes against India’s clear stand on not supporting Pakistan in any form on or off the field.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Massive crowd gathers around MS Dhoni's Ranchi farmhouse after IPL 2025

2026 Women's T20 World Cup- Groups

Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, two teams from Global Qualifier

Group 2: England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, two teams from Global Qualifier

2026 Women’s T20 World Cup- Fixtures