Summary Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their places by virtue of hosting the event
(Dunya News) - The 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will feature 14 teams, an increase from the previous two editions, with 10 teams now set to secure direct qualification for the tournament.
Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their places by virtue of hosting the event. The remaining eight direct qualification spots will be awarded to the top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of September 30.
Afghanistan have virtually secured a place in the top eight after their thrilling victory over Ireland in Belfast.
The teams expected to qualify directly include defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, alongside hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The West Indies, currently ranked 10th, face a difficult route to the World Cup. They have two ODIs against India remaining before the September 30 cut-off, but even winning both matches will not be enough to lift them into the top eight.
The West Indies will therefore have to compete in the World Cup Qualifier, scheduled for February 2027, to secure their place in the tournament.
The qualification pathway for Associate nations will involve several stages. The 12 teams in the Challenge League will be divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Qualifier Play-off.
Meanwhile, the top four teams from the eight-team Cricket World Cup League 2 will earn direct places in the World Cup Qualifier.
The final four World Cup spots will be decided through a 10-team Qualifier scheduled from February 22 to March 23, 2027.
