The 2026 edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be a chance to redeem for Irish after their woeful campaign in 2024 where they finished the tournament without a win on the board, and a singular point in four matches courtesy a rained out contest against the USA.

Despite being in a challenging group with the co-hosts and Australia, Ireland will enter this World Cup quietly confident.

Ireland’s recent form includes back to back series victories in 2026 beating Italy 2-1 and UAE 2-0 heading into the World Cup. However, prior to the games in 2026, Ireland lost to Bangladesh 2-1 in 2025. During their home summer England beat Ireland 2-0 with one game being washed out.

Ireland have tasted success in the ODI formats more than T20I version and this tourney will be an opportunity to progress on that record.

Recent Form

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Stars to Watch

Harry Tector - The most in-form batter for Ireland heading into the T20 World Cup, recently smashed his career best 96*. 

Paul Stirling - The most capped player in the format, the Irish captain and opener is the fifth highest run-getter in the format with 3888 runs.

Matthew Humphreys - The top wicket-taker for Ireland from the start of 2025, if he can continue his recent form with the ball he can dent any side.

Previous T20 World Cup Performances

• 2007 – Did not qualify

• 2009 – Super 8

• 2010 – Group Stage

• 2012 – Group stage

• 2014 – Group Stage

• 2016 – Group stage

• 2021 – Group Stage 

• 2022 – Super 12s

• 2024 – Group stage
  
  

• Beat Bangladesh in 2009

• Beat West Indies in 2022

• Beat England in 2022

Group Fixtures

• vs Australia, Colombo February – 8

• vs Sri Lanka, Colombo February – 11

• vs USA, Colombo February – 14

• vs Zimbabwe, Kandy February – 17

Best XI

1. Paul Stirling (capt)

2. Ross Adair

3. Harry Tector

4. Lorcan Tucker (wk)

5. Curtis Campher

6. Ben Calitz

7. George Dockrell

8. Gareth Delany

9. Mark Adair

10. Barry McCarthy

11. Matthew Humphreys