The ICC on Thursday revealed the fixtures for the U-19 Cricket World Cup which is set to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia between 15 January to 6 February 2026.
The tournament consists of 16 teams that play a total of 41 matches with the tournament featuring four groups of four, followed by a Super Six stage, the final is set to be held at Harare Sports Club on 6 February.
Ten teams, including Ireland earned automatic qualification based on their performance in the 2024 edition, joining hosts Zimbabwe.
The remaining five teams clinched their places through regional qualification events, with Scotland making the cut from Europe, reflecting the expanding global footprint of the U19 pathway. Scotland qualified to the main event after an unbeaten run in the European Qualifiers.
The competition will be played at 7:30 AM GMT across five venues:
Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe
Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval in Namibia.
Ireland find themselves in Group A with defending champions Australia, Japan and Sri Lanka, they will open their campaign on 16 January with an encounter against Australia with all group fixtures at the Namibia cricket ground.
Ireland U-19 Group Stage Fixtures-
16 January 2026, Australia vs Ireland, Namibia cricket ground
19 January 2026, Sri Lanka vs Ireland, Namibia cricket ground
22 January 2026, Ireland vs Japan, Namibia cricket ground
Scotland are in Group C with Zimbabwe, England and Pakistan. The first fixture for the Scots will see them face hosts Zimbabwe on the 15 January with all group stage fixtures at the Takashinga Sports Club.
Scotland U-19 Group stage Fixtures-
15 January 2026, Zimbabwe vs Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club
19 January 2026, Pakistan vs Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club
21 January 2026, Scotland vs England, Takashinga Sports Club
ICC Chairman, Jay Shah spoke on the importance of the tournament in an ICC media release where he said:
"The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport."
"As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket. This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.”
