ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Odds, Draw, Fixtures & Preview

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be a fiercely fought tournament with 20 nations vying for supremacy across India and Sri Lanka.
Defending champions and co-hosts India are the team to beat. They are the bookmakers’ favourites to retain the crown, but that also puts a target on their backs.

The tournament gives minnows such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the opportunity to demonstrate how cricket is progressing in the Middle East.
They have been drawn in a group headlined by New Zealand and South Africa, and will be eager to upset the odds in each game. Read on as we preview the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 - Outright Odds

• India - 2.37
• Australia - 5.00
• England - 5.50
• South Africa - 6.50
• Pakistan - 17.00
• New Zealand - 17.00
• West Indies - 21.00
• Afghanistan - 26.00
• Sri Lanka - 41.00
• Bangladesh - 101.00
• Republic of Ireland - 401.00
• United States - 401.00
• Zimbabwe - 501.00
• Nepal - 501.00
• Netherlands - 1001.00
• Namibia - 2501.00
• United Arab Emirates - 2501.00Canada - 2501.00
• Oman - 2501.00
• Italy - 2501.00

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – Group Stage Draw

• Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia.
• Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman.
• Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy.
• Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – Group Stage Fixtures

• February 7: Pakistan v Netherlands (Colombo, 5.30); West Indies v Bangladesh (Kolkata, 9.30); India v USA (Mumbai, 13.30)
• February 8: New Zealand v Afghanistan (Chennai, 5.30); England v Nepal (Mumbai, 9.30); Sri Lanka v Ireland (Colombo, 13.30)
• February 9: Bangladesh v Italy (Kolkata, 5.30); Zimbabwe v Oman (Colombo, 9.30); South Africa v Canada (Ahmedabad, 13.30)
• February 10: Netherlands v Namibia (Delhi, 5.30); New Zealand v UAE (Chennai, 9.30); Pakistan v USA (Colombo, 13.30)
• February 11: South Africa v Afghanistan (Ahmedabad, 5.30); Australia v Ireland (Colombo, 9.30); England v West Indies (Mumbai, 13.30)
• February 12: Sri Lanka v Oman (Kandy, 5.30); Nepal v Italy (Mumbai, 9.30); India v Namibia (Delhi, 13.30)
• February 13: Australia v Zimbabwe (Colombo, 5.30); Canada v UAE (Delhi, 9.30); USA v Netherlands (Chennai, 13.30)
• February 14: Ireland v Oman (Colombo, 5.30); England v Bangladesh (Kolkata, 9.30); New Zealand v South Africa (Ahmedabad, 13.30)
• February 15: West Indies v Nepal (Mumbai, 5.30); USA v Namibia (Chennai, 9.30); India v Pakistan (Colombo, 13.30)
• February 16: Afghanistan v UAE (Delhi, 5.30); England v Italy (Kolkata, 9.30); Australia v Sri Lanka (Kandy, 13.30)
• February 17: New Zealand v Canada (Chennai, 5.30); Ireland v Zimbabwe (Kandy, 9.30); Bangladesh v Nepal (Mumbai, 13.30)
• February 18: South Africa v UAE (Delhi, 5.30); Pakistan v Namibia (Colombo, 9.30); India v Netherlands (Ahmedabad, 13.30)
• February 19: West Indies v Italy (Kolkata, 5.30); Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe (Colombo, 9.30); Afghanistan v Canada (Chennai, 13.30)

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – Preview

Group D looks particularly intriguing, with New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE set to lock horns. South Africa versus New Zealand on February 14 will be one of the games of the tournament, with the two evenly matched giants eager to claim an important scalp.

Canada and the UAE will also be keen to prove their mettle on the world stage. The latter's participation will attract plenty of Arab betting interest. Comparison platforms such as arabswin.com/en/ are offering extensive markets on the tournament, and the UAE will be a popular pick with punters who think they can spring a surprise.

The Middle Eastern nation has invested heavily in cricket and will be keen to see improvements. A place in the final eight may be too much to ask, but they will take joy from upsetting the odds. Savvy Arab bettors will also have their sights firmly set on India in Group A. They have a deep squad and home advantage, which could tip the scales in their favour.

South Africa will provide the sternest challenge. Coming into the showpiece just days after the SA20 ends means the Proteas do not have to spend time building momentum. Kagiso Rabada is one of the most complete T20 bowlers around and brings a wealth of experience to the South Africa roster.

Marco Jansen provides balance and versatility. Quinton de Kock’s return means they have more experience in the ranks and his tempo-setting prowess.
Captain Aiden Makram is a strong leader emboldened by recent ICC successes. All things considered, South Africa are the value bet to lift the trophy.