ICC World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2026 Schedule Announced, Teams And Format Explained

Nepal to host ICC World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2026 [Source: AFP]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled all details regarding the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2026. As many as eight teams will participate in the 17-day tournament between December 4 and December 21 in Nepal, and the top four teams will qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in February.

In turn, the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier itself serves as the final stage of the qualification process for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November next year.

Teams, schedule confirmed for ICC World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2026

The ICC has confirmed that Nepal will host the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2026 between December 4 and December 21. The three venues for the tournament are the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadium in Mulpani. 

---

ALSO READ

Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Schedule Revealed, India vs Pakistan Match On November 22

---

The eight participating teams, namely Nepal, Canada, Italy, Jersey, Kuwait, Namibia, Uganda and UAE will face each other once in a round-robin format. 

The top four teams at the end of the competition will make it to the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier next February. Here is a look at the entire schedule of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2026 in Nepal.

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2026 schedule

How can teams qualify for World Cup 2027

As many as 14 teams are scheduled to take part in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year. 

Ten teams have already qualified for the tournament, while the remaining four teams will be determined from the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Namibia and South Africa between February and March 2027.

Since the 2026 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off will be played between eight teams in Nepal this December, the top four sides will become the final four competitors of the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier. 

For aspiring teams set to take part in the 2026 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off, they need to ensure a top four finish for themselves in Nepal in a bid to reach the 2027 World Cup Qualifier.

Another top four finish in the 2027 World Cup Qualifier in Namibia and South Africa next year will get them with the heavyweights later in the year.

---

ALSO READ

Delhi Head Coach Invites Virat Kohli To Play Domestic Cricket Again

---