The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have become the 20th and final team to secure their place in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating Japan by eight wickets in the Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier held in Al Amerat on Thursday.
Led by a brilliant bowling spell from Haider Ali (3/20) and a solid 70-run opening stand between Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem, the UAE comfortably chased down Japan’s total of 117. The victory ensured UAE’s qualification alongside Nepal and Oman, completing the final lineup for the mega event.
The 2026 T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups of five each.
All 20 Teams Qualified for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Here’s the complete list of qualified teams for the 2026 T20 World Cup:
Hosts
- India
- Sri Lanka
Top 7 Teams from the 2024 Edition
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
- England
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- USA
- West Indies
Qualified via ICC T20I Rankings
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Ireland
Regional Qualifiers
- Asia-EAP Qualifiers: Nepal, Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Europe Qualifiers: Italy (making their T20 World Cup debut), Netherlands
- Africa Qualifiers: Namibia, Zimbabwe
- Americas Qualifiers: Canada
With UAE’s qualification, the stage is now set for a blockbuster tournament featuring established powerhouses and emerging cricket nations.
T20 World Cup 2026 Format
The 2026 edition will follow the same 20-team structure as the 2024 T20 World Cup hosted by the USA and West Indies.
- The 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five.
- The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage.
- The Super 8s will determine the four semi-finalists, followed by the grand final.
This format ensures a competitive and globally inclusive tournament, with every region of the cricketing world represented.
Emerging Storylines
The 2026 edition promises plenty of exciting narratives — including Italy’s maiden appearance on the world stage and Canada’s return after years of development in North America.
Teams like UAE, Nepal, and Oman will look to showcase the growing strength of Asian Associate nations, while powerhouses like India, England, and Australia aim to continue their dominance.
With the tournament set to unfold across India and Sri Lanka, fans can expect a cricketing spectacle filled with drama, upsets, and unforgettable performances.
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