2026 Men's T20 World Cup: England to face Italy as schedule unveiled

The 2026 Men's T20 World Cup schedule has been released, detailing group lineups, host cities, and marquee fixtures. England, led by talismanic batsman Harry Brook, will kick off Group C against Nepal and later meet debutants Italy in Kolkata, with India and Pakistan renewing their heated rivalry on the Colombo stage.

Group A brings together India, Pakistan, the United States, the Netherlands, and Namibia, with games staged across Colombo, Mumbai, and Delhi as the tournament unfolds from 7 February to 8 March. Group B features Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman, while Group C includes England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy, and Group D comprises New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE.

The schedule confirms a two-stage format: group matches, followed by Super Eights and then knockouts. The top two from each group advance to the Super Eights, divided into two groups, before the two finalists reach the semi-finals on 4 March in Kolkata or Colombo and the final on 8 March, with venues in Kolkata, Colombo, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.

Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka due to ongoing political tensions with India, while the final will be staged in Ahmedabad unless Pakistan qualify, in which case it moves to Colombo.

England's journey will include fixtures against Nepal, West Indies, and Bangladesh before their Kolkata date with Italy, with other notable clashes across the tournament including India v Pakistan on 15 February in Colombo and several cross group showdowns that highlight the global reach of the event.

Group-by-group snapshot

Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia

Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman

Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy

Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

The schedule confirms a two-stage format: group matches, followed by Super Eights and then knockouts. The top two from each group advance to the Super Eights, divided into two groups, before the two finalists reach the semi-finals on 4 March in Kolkata or Colombo and 5 March in Mumbai, with the final on 8 March in Ahmedabad.

Opening fixtures include Pakistan v Netherlands in Colombo, West Indies v Bangladesh in Kolkata, and India v USA in Mumbai, marking the start of the group stage.

Pakistan will base in Sri Lanka for the tournament due to tensions with India, while the final location hinges on whether Pakistan progress to the final stages.

England v Nepal, England v Italy, and other cross group showdowns underscore a tournament that aims to balance traditional power with fresh narratives across multiple venues.

Key takeaways

• England face Italy in Group C in Kolkata as the group stage starts
• India and Pakistan meet in Colombo on 15 February, a marquee clash
• Pakistan will be based in Sri Lanka for the tournament
• Competition runs 7 February to 8 March across India and Sri Lanka
• Format mirrors 2024 with four groups and a Super Eights phase

Expert comment

Expert comment: A senior cricket analyst welcomed the balanced group structure and broad venue spread, noting it should boost attendance and TV audiences across continents. The plan also offers more exposure for emerging teams amid a packed schedule.

Summary

The 2026 T20 World Cup promises a dynamic mix of heavyweight clashes and rising sides spread across two co hosts. England v Italy adds a fresh storyline to Group C, while India v Pakistan delivers the tournament’s marquee moment in Colombo. With a fast paced group stage, teams will chase a place in the Super Eights and beyond across multiple venues.

Key insight: The 2026 schedule emphasizes high stakes derbies and debutant storylines while distributing games across India and Sri Lanka to maximize reach.

Source: BBC Sport