U19 World Cup 2026: A Global Showcase of Cricket's Next Generation

Every two years, the Under-19 Cricket World Cup offers a glimpse into the future of international cricket. The tournament brings together the best young talent from across the globe, where raw ability meets international pressure.

For a select few, the spotlight is already familiar. Indian opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14, has already thrived in the IPL. He famously smashed the first ball he faced in the tournament for a six. His opening partner and team captain, Ayush Mhatre, has also secured his spot with the Chennai Super Kings and nearly scored a century in his IPL debut.

With such experience, India enters the tournament as favorites. The squad includes several other players with recent IPL contracts, and more are expected to join that list. India holds a record five titles in this competition and has reached the final in the last five editions, though they have only won two of those.

However, being favorites does not guarantee success. Bangladesh upset India in the 2020 final, and Pakistan defeated them in a recent Asia Cup final. Pakistan's Sameer Minhas, who hammered a century in that Asia Cup final and followed it with two more in a tri-series, will be one to watch.

In the last edition, India won every game leading to the final before losing to Australia. Australia's Oliver Peake, who delivered in that final, returns as captain with added experience from the Big Bash League, including a famous last-ball six to win a game.

England will be tracking the progress of Thomas Rew, who has broken into the Somerset senior setup, played for England Lions in Australia, and was picked by the Paarl Royals for the SA20.

Tournament Format and Debutants

For the first time, the tournament will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The format remains unchanged: 16 teams are split into four groups. After the first round, only four teams are eliminated, with the remaining 12 progressing to the Super Six stage. The top two from each Super Six group advance to the semifinals.

The tournament also highlights cricket's expansion. Japan returns for only its second appearance, while Tanzania will compete in an ICC World Cup at any level for the very first time.

For these young players, the true prize often lies in the impression they make on the world stage, beyond just a trophy.

Groups:

• Group A: India, New Zealand, USA, Bangladesh
• Group B: Pakistan, England, Zimbabwe, Scotland
• Group C: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Japan
• Group D: South Africa, West Indies, Tanzania, Afghanistan