Pakistan to face England in Under-19 World Cup 2026 opener
Cricket
ICC confirms schedule, venues and group line-up for the 2026 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
DUBAI (Dunya News) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the 2026 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
The tournament is set to run from 15 January to 6 February, with Zimbabwe and Namibia co-hosting the global youth cricket showpiece.
Warm-up fixtures will begin on 9 January, giving teams an early chance to adapt to local conditions.
According to the confirmed group allocations, Group A features India, Bangladesh, the United States and New Zealand, bringing together a blend of seasoned youth cricket powerhouses and emerging talent. Group B includes Pakistan, Zimbabwe, England and Scotland, promising a competitive clash of styles and cricket heritage on African soil.
Pakistan will begin their World Cup journey on 16 January against England, marking one of the most anticipated fixtures of the early round. The tournament will showcase diverse participation, including Tanzania, who will compete in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup for the first time in history, adding a new chapter to the event’s growing global footprint.
The 2026 edition is expected to highlight the next generation of cricket talent, drawing attention to both established programmes and rising new entrants across multiple continents. With Zimbabwe and Namibia preparing to welcome teams from around the world, anticipation is steadily building for a tournament set to offer intense rivalries, fresh talent and historic firsts.
