U19 Cricket World Cup 2026: Complete Tournament Guide, Teams, Schedule & Venues

The U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 brings together the brightest young talents from around the globe. This tournament started on January 15, 2026, and features 16 teams competing across multiple venues. Cricket fans will see future stars battle it out for glory. 

The competition takes place in Namibia and Zimbabwe, with matches scheduled in Windhoek, Harare, and Bulawayo. Young cricketers from Australia, India, Pakistan, England, and other nations showcase their skills. 

This event serves as a launching pad for international careers. The tournament format includes group stages, Super Sixes, and knockout rounds. Every match matters as teams fight for the championship title.

U19 Cricket World Cup teams 2026

Fans will watch the U19 Cricket World Cup teams 2026 battle across four groups, where young cricketers display skill, ambition, teamwork, and determination to reach the Super Six stage.

Group A: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka

Australia U19: Oliver Peake (c), Kasey Barton, Naden Cooray, Jayden Draper, Ben Gordon, Steven Hogan, Thomas Hogan, John James, Charles Lachmund, Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Hayden Schiller, Aryan Sharma, William Byrom, Alex Lee Young

Australia enters this competition as a strong favorites in Group A. The team has a rich history of producing world-class cricketers through their youth system. Their balanced squad features quality batsmen and bowlers. Captain Oliver Peake leads a talented group of players who understand winning pressure. Most experts predict Australia will dominate their group matches, and their previous U19 World Cup performances show consistent excellence.

Ireland U19:  Olly Riley (c), Reuben Wilson, Alex Armstrong, Callum Armstrong, Marko Bates, Sebastian Dijkstra, Thomas Ford, Samuel Haslett, Adam Leckey, Febin Manoj, Luke Murray, Robert O'Brien, Freddie Ogilby, James West, Bruce Whaley

Ireland brings passion and fighting spirit to Group A, and their youth development program has improved significantly over recent years. Captain Olly Riley leads from the front with both bat and ball. The team includes several players with Irish domestic experience, and they face tough competition but can cause upsets on their day. Irish cricket continues to grow at all levels, and these young players represent that positive growth trajectory. 

Japan U19: Kazuma Kato-Stafford (c), Charles Hara-Hinze, Gabriel Hara-Hinze, Montgomery Hara-Hinze, Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett, Timothy Moore, Skyler Nakayama-Cook, Ryuki Ozeki, Nihar Parmar, Nikhil Pol, Chihaya Sekine, Hugo Tani-Kelly, Sandev Aaryan Waduge, Kai Wall, Taylor Waugh

Japan makes its mark in this U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with enthusiasm. The squad features players with diverse backgrounds and playing styles. Cricket in Japan continues to develop through grassroots programs, and these youngsters gain valuable international exposure through this tournament. Captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford guides a team eager to learn, while Japan focuses on improving its game with each match. 

Sri Lanka U19: Vimath Dinsara (c), Kavija Gamage, Dimantha Mahavithana, Viran Chamuditha, Dulnith Sigera, Chamika Heentigala, Adam Hilmy, Chamarindu Nethsara, Sethmika Seneviratne, Kugathas Mathulan, Rasith Nimsara, Vigneshwaran Akash, Jeewantha Sriram, Senuja Wekunagoda, Malintha Silva

Sri Lanka has a proud U19 World Cup history. The island nation has produced numerous cricket legends through youth tournaments. Captain Vimath Dinsara leads a squad with excellent spin bowling options, while Sri Lankan youngsters grow up playing cricket on dusty pitches. This experience gives them strong technical foundations, and the team combines traditional skills with modern approaches. 

Group B: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, USA

Bangladesh U19: Azizul Hakim Tamim (c), Zawad Abrar, Samiun Basir Ratul, Sheikh Parvez Jibon, Rizan Hossan, Shaharia Al Amin, Shadin Islam, Md Abdullah, Farid Hasan Faysal, Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Rifat Beg, Saad Islam Razin, Al Fahad, Shahriar Ahmed, Iqbal Hossain

Bangladesh brings strong credentials to Group B. Their youth cricket system has improved dramatically over the past decade. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim carries his family's cricket legacy forward. The team features aggressive batsmen and clever spinners. Bangladesh cricket culture emphasizes fighting spirit and determination, so these youngsters have played together in domestic competitions. 

India U19: The document shows India's squad as identical to Bangladesh, which appears to be an error in the source material. India traditionally fields one of the strongest U19 teams in world cricket. Their cricket infrastructure produces talented youngsters regularly. Indian players arrive at tournaments with excellent preparation. The team usually features exceptional batting depth and quality spinners. India has won multiple U19 World Cup titles previously. 

New Zealand U19: Tom Jones (c), Marco Alpe, Hugo Bogue, Harry Burns, Mason Clarke, Jacob Cotter, Aryan Mann, Brandon Matzopoulos, Flynn Morey, Snehith Reddy, Callum Samson, Jaskaran Sandhu, Selwin Sanjay, Hunter Shore, Harry Waite

New Zealand's youth system consistently produces quality cricketers. Captain Tom Jones leads a well-balanced squad. The Kiwis play smart, strategic cricket at all levels. Their players show excellent game awareness and adaptability. New Zealand focuses on developing all-round cricketers, as the team includes fast bowlers and useful batting options. 

USA U19: Utkarsh Srivastava (c), Adnit Jhamb, Shiv Shani, Nitish Sudini, Advaith Krishna, Sahir Bhatia, Arjun Mahesh, Amrinder Gill, Sabrish Prasad, Adit Kappa, Sahil Garg, Amogh Reddy Arepally, Ritvik Appidi, Rayaan Taj, Rishabh Shimp

USA cricket continues its upward growth trajectory. Captain Utkarsh Srivastava leads a diverse squad. American cricket benefits from immigrant communities with cricket backgrounds. Many players have connections to cricket-playing nations. The team brings fresh energy and modern approaches, as USA Cricket invests heavily in youth development programs. 

Group C: England, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe

England U19: Thomas Rew (c), Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Will Bennison, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Joe Moores, Sebastian Morgan

England fields a technically strong squad in Group C. Their youth cricket structure ranks among the best globally. Captain Thomas Rew has excellent leadership qualities. England produces cricketers with solid fundamentals and game sense. The team features quality pace bowlers and stylish batsmen. Their county cricket system prepares youngsters for competitive cricket. 

Pakistan U19: Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan, Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, Umar Zaib

Pakistan's talent pool remains incredibly deep. Captain Farhan Yousaf leads a squad full of natural cricketers. Pakistani youngsters grow up playing street cricket daily. This background creates players with exceptional hand-eye coordination, and the team includes exciting fast bowlers and stroke-makers. Pakistan has won U19 World Cups before, and their unpredictable nature makes them dangerous opponents. 

Scotland U19: Thomas Knight (c), Finlay Carter, Max Chaplin, George Cutler, Rory Grant, Finlay Jones, Ollie Jones, Olly Pillinger, Ethan Ramsay, Theo Robinson, Manu Saraswat, Ram Sharma, Shreyas Tekale, Shlok Thaker, Jake Woodho

Scotland continues building its cricket identity. Captain Thomas Knight leads a determined squad. Scottish cricket has grown significantly in recent years, and these youngsters benefit from improved coaching and facilities. The team plays with pride and determination. Scotland wants to prove itself against bigger nations, and their players show excellent work ethic and commitment. 

Zimbabwe U19: Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Kian Blignaut, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Brendon Senzere, Nathaniel Hlabangana, Takudzwa Makoni, Panashe Mazai, Webster Madhidhi, Shelton Mazvitorera, Kupakwashe Muradzi, Brandon Ndiweni, Dhruv Patel, Benny Zuze

Zimbabwe hosts part of this U19 Cricket World Cup 2026. Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere leads in front of home crowds. The home advantage gives Zimbabwe extra motivation, and their cricket has faced challenges, but youth development continues. 

Group D: Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, West Indies

Afghanistan U19: Mahboob Khan (c), Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Aziz Mia Khil, Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahid Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab, Hafeez Zadran

Afghanistan's cricket rise includes strong youth development. Captain Mahboob Khan leads a squad of talented cricketers. Afghan youngsters show remarkable dedication to cricket, and their spin bowling prowess stands out consistently. The team features players with mature game understanding. 

South Africa U19: Muhammad Bulbulia (c), JJ Basson, Daniel Bosman, Corne Botha, Paul James, Enathi Kitshini, Michael Kruiskamp, Adnaan Lagadien, Bayanda Majola, Armaan Manack, Bandile Mbatha, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Jason Rowles, Ntandoyenkosi Soni, Jorich van Schalkwyk

South Africa brings quality and experience to Group D. Captain Muhammad Bulbulia leads a diverse squad. The Proteas have a strong U19 cricket tradition, and their system produces well-rounded cricketers regularly. The team includes fast bowlers and aggressive batsmen. South Africa plays modern, attacking cricket. 

Tanzania U19: Laksh Bakrania (c), Karim Kiseto, Hamza Ally, Khalidy Amiri, Abdulazak Mohamedi, Ayaan Shariff, Omary Ramadhani, Dylan Thakrar, Agustino Mwamele, Ally Hafidhi, Acrey Pascal, Darpan Jobanputra, Mohammedi Simba, Raymond Francis, Alfred Daniel

Tanzania participates with great enthusiasm. Captain Laksh Bakrania leads a squad eager to learn. Cricket in Tanzania continues to develop steadily, and these youngsters gain invaluable experience at this tournament. The team faces tough opponents but shows courage. Tanzania cricket benefits from exposure to high-level competition. 

West Indies U19: Joshua Dorne (c), Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple, Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R'jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha, Kunal Tilokani, Jonathan Van Lange

West Indies brings Caribbean flair to Group D. Captain Joshua Dorne leads a squad of exciting talents. The Caribbean produces naturally gifted cricketers, and their players show exceptional athleticism and power. West Indies has a rich U19 World Cup history. These youngsters carry that legacy forward, and the team features fast bowlers and explosive batsmen. 

U19 World Cup 2026 Schedule and Fixtures

The U19 World Cup 2026 schedule features 36 group and Super Six matches, followed by semifinals and the final. All times and dates are set for optimal viewing.

Date	Match	Stage/Group	Venue	Teams
15 Jan '26	1	Group B	Bulawayo	India U19 vs USA U19
15 Jan '26	2	Group C	Harare	Zimbabwe U19 vs Scotland U19
15 Jan '26	3	Group D	Windhoek	Tanzania U19 vs West Indies U19
16 Jan '26	4	Group C	Harare	England U19 vs Pakistan U19
16 Jan '26	5	Group A	Windhoek	Australia U19 vs Ireland U19
Thu, 16 Jan '26	6	Group D	Windhoek	Afghanistan U19 vs South Africa U19
17 Jan '26	7	Group B	Bulawayo	Bangladesh U19 vs India U19
17 Jan '26	8	Group A	Windhoek	Japan U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
18 Jan '26	9	Group B	Bulawayo	New Zealand U19 vs USA U19
18 Jan '26	10	Group C	Harare	Zimbabwe U19 vs England U19
18 Jan '26	11	Group D	Windhoek	Afghanistan U19 vs West Indies U19
19 Jan '26	12	Group C	Harare	Pakistan U19 vs Scotland U19
19 Jan '26	13	Group A	Windhoek	Ireland U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
19 Jan '26	14	Group D	Windhoek	South Africa U19 vs Tanzania U19
20 Jan '26	15	Group B	Bulawayo	Bangladesh U19 vs New Zealand U19
20 Jan '26	16	Group A	Windhoek	Australia U19 vs Japan U19
21 Jan '26	17	Group C	Harare	England U19 vs Scotland U19
21 Jan '26	18	Group D	Windhoek	Afghanistan U19 vs Tanzania U19
22 Jan '26	19	Group C	Harare	Zimbabwe U19 vs Pakistan U19
22 Jan '26	20	Group A	Windhoek	Ireland U19 vs Japan U19
22 Jan '26	21	Group D	Windhoek	South Africa U19 vs West Indies U19
23 Jan '26	22	Group B	Harare	Bangladesh U19 vs USA U19
23 Jan '26	23	Group A	Windhoek	Australia U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
24 Jan '26	24	Group B	Bulawayo	India U19 vs New Zealand U19
24 Jan '26	Play-Off	16th Place	Windhoek	A4 vs D4
25 Jan '26	25	Super Sixes G1	Windhoek	A1 vs D3
25 Jan '26	26	Super Sixes G1	Windhoek	A3 vs D2
26 Jan '26	Play-Off	16th Place	Harare	B4 vs C4
26 Jan '26	27	Super Sixes G2	Bulawayo	B2 vs C1
26 Jan '26	28	Super Sixes G1	Windhoek	A2 vs D1
27 Jan '26	29	Super Sixes G2	Harare	B3 vs C2
27 Jan '26	30	Super Sixes G2	Bulawayo	B1 vs C3
28 Jan '26	31	Super Sixes G1	Harare	A1 vs D2
29 Jan '26	32	Super Sixes G1	Bulawayo	A2 vs D3
30 Jan '26	33	Super Sixes G1	Harare	A3 vs D1
30 Jan '26	34	Super Sixes G2	Bulawayo	B3 vs C1
31 Jan '26	35	Super Sixes G2	Harare	B2 vs C3
01 Feb '26	36	Super Sixes G2	Bulawayo	B1 vs C2
03 Feb '26	Semi-Final 1	Knockout	Bulawayo	G1 Winner vs G2 Runner-up
04 Feb '26	Semi-Final 2	Knockout	Harare	G1 Runner-up vs G2 Winner
06 Feb '26	Final	Championship	Harare	TBA

The U19 World Cup 2026 fixtures start with group matches from January 15 to 23. Teams play three matches each in the group stage. The top three teams from each group advance to the Super Sixes. This stage runs from January 24 to 31. Teams carry forward points from group matches against qualifying opponents. The semifinals take place on February 2 and 3. The championship final happens on February 6 in Harare.

U19 World Cup 2026 Venue Information

The ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 will be hosted across three iconic African venues, delivering world-class facilities, rich cricket history, and exciting conditions for emerging global talent.

Windhoek, Namibia

Windhoek is one of the main venues for the U19 World Cup 2026. The city offers good cricket facilities, and the climate suits cricket well. 

Harare, Zimbabwe

Harare hosts key U19 World Cup 2026 matches, including the final. The city has a strong cricket history, and the ground meets international standards. 

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Bulawayo is the third venue for the U19 World Cup 2026. It hosts group games and one semifinal. The ground has a rich cricket history, and facilities continue to improve. 

Why This Tournament Matters: Building Tomorrow's Cricket Stars

Stars like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson started here, so young players learn to handle pressure and expectations. 

The event teaches sportsmanship and fair play, where players form lifelong friendships across nations. Coaches learn new training methods, while cricket boards identify future talents. 

Conclusion

The U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 delivers exciting cricket across three historic venues. Sixteen teams compete from January 15 to February 6. Windhoek, Harare, and Bulawayo host all matches, while group stages lead into the Super Six phase, followed by knockout rounds. 

Young players display elite skills and strong discipline. Fans enjoy non-stop action and intense rivalries. This global event strengthens youth cricket and inspires the next generation worldwide.