Italy create history, qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 in India and SL

Italy have qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

They secured their spot despite losing their final match against the Netherlands on Friday in Hague. Italy's Net Run Rate was good enough to earn them a berth in the mega event in India and Sri Lanka next year.

The final day of the Europe Qualifiers was a nail-biter with both the Netherlands and Italy vying for a spot. Italy needed to hold Netherlands for at least 14 overs to qualify.

Roelof van der Merwe helped restrict Italy to 134 for 7 in their 20 overs, picking three wickets and conceding just 15 runs.

Benjamin Manenti and Grant Stewarts pushed Italy to their total, which the Netherlands eventually chased down comfortably.

15 teams have qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 so far. The Asia EAP qualifier will see three more sides qualify, while two further teams will make it through from the Africa qualifier.

Teams qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as on July 11 are: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA and West Indies.