Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)The countdown to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 has already begun, even though the tournament is still more than a year away. The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia and is scheduled to take place from October 4 to November 21, 2027.South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their places because they are hosts. Namibia, however, did not receive an automatic place simply because it is a co-host. The remaining direct places will be decided through the ICC Men's ODI rankings.That being said, there are fewer ODIs scheduled this year, so there is a high chance that the top-ranked teams (like India, New Zealand, Australia and others), apart from the hosts, might not slip down significantly.So, having said this, in this article, let's take a look at the qualification scenario for the last four teams - Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Afghanistan.But before that, let’s take a look at the qualification criteria for the 2027 World Cup.What Are The Qualification Criteria For 2027 World Cup?The qualification process for the 2027 World Cup is divided into two broad ways.The first one is direct qualification through the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. South Africa and Zimbabwe are already guaranteed places as hosts. Alongside them, the eight highest-ranked teams in the ODI rankings until September 30, 2026 will qualify directly.The second way is the World Cup Qualifier. The top four teams from the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 will progress to the Qualifier. The bottom four teams from League 2 will get another opportunity through the Qualifier Play-off, where they will meet the top four teams from the Challenge League.The four best teams from the World Cup Qualifier will then complete the 14-team World Cup line-up.Also Read: ICC World Cup 2027 Venues: Where Could India Play Their Most Matches?Teams In Contention For A Direct Qualification For 2027 World Cup1. South Africa (Hosts)2. Zimbabwe (Hosts)3. India 4. New Zealand5. Australia6. Pakistan7. Sri Lanka8. England9. 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Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table4SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSouth Africa (Hosts)SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table28SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table2855SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table102SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table5SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TablePakistanSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table32SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table3215SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete 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RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table63SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table(Men's ODI Team Rankings - Updated On August 8, 2026)How Can Pakistan, Sri Lanka, And England Qualify For 2027 World Cup?PakistanPakistan is currently in a strong position in the World Cup qualification race. They are fifth in the ODI rankings, with 32 matches, 3,215 points and a rating of 100. Their current position gives them a healthy cushion over England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the rankings.Sri LankaSri Lanka currently occupy sixth place with 3,470 points and a rating of 96. They are comfortably inside the current direct-qualification positions, but their place is not yet officially confirmed.The team will next face England in a three-match ODI series in September 2026. The first ODI will be played in Durham on September 22, the second in Leeds on September 24 and the third in London on September 27.EnglandEngland is currently seventh in the ODI rankings, with 2,898 points and a rating of 93. The team is also inside the direct-qualification scenario at the moment.The Three Lions will next face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series in September 2026. The matches are scheduled for September 22, 24 and 27.For Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England, the road to the 2027 World Cup is therefore looking positive at present.Also Read: Jemimah Rodrigues Ruled Out Of The Hundred; Doubtful For Major International Event
