India to Face USA in 2026 T20 World Cup Opener: T20 world cup 2026 schedule

The ICC has announced the schedule for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which kicks off on February 7, 2026.

India will begin their title defense by facing the USA in Mumbai on the evening of the opening day, while Pakistan faces the Netherlands earlier that morning in Colombo.

A major fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, making it one of the tournament’s marquee games.

The 2026 T20 World Cup features four groups of five teams each, including major cricketing nations and some debutants like Italy.

Group A consists of India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia; Group B features Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman.

England and West Indies, both two-time champions, headline Group C along with Bangladesh, Italy (first-ever WC), and Nepal; Group D is seen as the group of death, including South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada.

Host venues for opening matches include Mumbai, Colombo, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai, with semifinals in Mumbai, Kolkata, or Colombo, and the final in Ahmedabad (or Colombo if Pakistan qualifies).

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight, followed by semifinals and then the final on March 8, 2026.

The ICC has contingency plans in place for hosting semifinals and finals based on which teams qualify, particularly for Pakistan’s matches.

The USA, a non-traditional cricket nation, made headlines by stunning Pakistan in the previous edition, adding intrigue to their opening clash with India.