Twelve teams will compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, hosted in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. The tournament features defending champions New Zealand, six-time winners Australia, hosts England, and debutants Netherlands.
This is the 10th edition of the tournament and the first to feature 12 teams. A total of 33 matches will be played across seven venues, with the final at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5. Here is everything you need to know about every Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 team, including confirmed squads, group allocations, and players to watch.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Groups
The 12 teams have been divided into two groups of six. Each team plays the other five in their group once, resulting in 15 group matches per pool. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals at The Oval.
| Group 1 | Group 2 |
|---|---|
| Australia | England |
| South Africa | West Indies |
| India | New Zealand |
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| Bangladesh | Ireland |
| Netherlands | Scotland |
Group 1 is arguably the tougher pool, featuring traditional heavyweights Australia, India, and South Africa. Meanwhile, Group 2 promises a spicy contest between hosts England and defending champions New Zealand.
All 12 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Teams and Squads
As of May 11, 2026, seven out of 12 squads have been officially announced. Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Ireland are yet to confirm their final 15-member squads.
Group 1 Teams
Here is the Group 1 Team Distribution:
1. Australia (Squad Yet to Be Announced)
Australia are the most successful team in Women’s T20 World Cup history with six titles (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023). However, this edition marks a new chapter.
New captain Sophie Molineux takes over from retired Alyssa Healy. Molineux is recovering from a back injury but is expected to be fully fit as an all-rounder for the tournament.
Key names like Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, and Georgia Wareham are expected in the squad. Leg-spinner Alana King impressed with five wickets in the recent West Indies T20I series. Teenage left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton is also pushing for inclusion.
Australia’s T20 World Cup record speaks for itself: seven finals out of nine editions, winning six. They will still be title favorites despite the leadership transition.
2. India (Squad Announced)
India enter the tournament as reigning ODI World Cup champions. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain.
| Batters | All-Rounders | Bowlers |
|---|---|---|
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | Deepti Sharma | Renuka Singh |
| Smriti Mandhana (vc) | Shreyanka Patil | Arundhati Reddy |
| Shafali Verma | Radha Yadav | Kranti Gaud |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Shree Charani | |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | Nandani Sharma | |
| Yastika Bhatia (wk) | Bharti Fulmali |
Four players have earned maiden call-ups: Bharti Fulmali, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, and Kranti Gaud. India also beat Australia 2-1 in a T20I series earlier in 2026, adding confidence to their campaign.
India’s biggest test arrives on June 14 at Edgbaston against Pakistan, followed by the blockbuster clash against Australia at Lord’s on June 28. Despite reaching the 2020 final at the MCG, India are still chasing their maiden T20 World Cup title.
3. South Africa (Squad Yet to Be Announced)
South Africa have been the runners-up in the last two editions (2023 and 2024). That includes a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 final on home soil, and a defeat against New Zealand in the 2024 final in the UAE.
Players like Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Shabnim Ismail make South Africa genuine title contenders. Their opening match against Australia on June 13 at Old Trafford will set the tone for their campaign.
4. Pakistan (Squad Yet to Be Announced)
Pakistan qualified automatically through their ICC Women’s T20I ranking. Their best World Cup performance came in 2018 when they reached the semi-finals.
The headline fixture is obviously India vs Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston, which promises to be one of the most-watched matches of the group stage. Pakistan’s squad announcement is expected shortly.
5. Bangladesh (Squad Announced)
Bangladesh qualified through the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal. Top-order batter Taj Nehar has been recalled after last playing a T20I in January 2025.
Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty will be the heartbeat of the batting order, while Nahida Akter remains their primary wicket-taking threat with the ball. They face tough assignments against Australia (June 17) and India (June 25).
6. Netherlands (Squad Announced) – T20 World Cup Debutants
The Netherlands make history as Women’s T20 World Cup debutants. They qualified by finishing top of Group B at the Qualifier in Nepal. This is their first appearance at a women’s cricket World Cup since 2000.
Squad: Babette de Leede (c), Caroline de Lange, Frédérique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Lawrence, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis
Captain and wicketkeeper-batter Babette de Leede leads the squad. Sterre Kalis, who has competed in England’s The Hundred for Yorkshire, brings valuable UK experience. The Dutch open their campaign against Bangladesh on June 14 at Edgbaston.
Group 2 Teams
Here is the Group 2 Team Distribution:
7. England – Hosts (Squad Announced)
England were the first team to announce their squad on April 28. Nat Sciver-Brunt captains with Charlie Dean as vice-captain. Uncapped 18-year-old left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman is the exciting addition.
Squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Corteen-Coleman earned selection after taking 17 wickets at 20.52 in two Hundred seasons for Southern Brave. Speedsters Issy Wong and Lauren Filer will represent England in a T20 World Cup for the first time.
England won the inaugural edition in 2009 at Lord’s but have not lifted an ICC trophy since the 2017 ODI World Cup. Home support across all seven venues gives them a genuine edge. Their campaign starts against Sri Lanka on June 12 at Edgbaston.
8. New Zealand – Defending Champions (Squad Announced)
New Zealand are the defending champions after winning their maiden title in 2024 in the UAE, defeating South Africa in the final. Superstar all-rounder Melie Kerr, who was named Player of the Tournament in 2024 with a record 15 wickets, leads the squad.
Squad: Melie Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu
Ten players from the 2024 title-winning squad return. However, this tournament carries significant emotional weight because legends Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu have all announced their retirement after the tournament. Newcomers Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp add fresh energy.
9. West Indies (Squad Yet to Be Announced)
West Indies won the 2016 T20 World Cup and reached the 2024 semi-finals. They remain a dangerous side with match-winners like Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin.
Their Group 2 opening fixture against New Zealand on June 13 at the Hampshire Bowl is a rematch of the 2024 semi-final. Expect fireworks from the first ball.
10. Sri Lanka (Squad Yet to Be Announced)
Sri Lanka qualified automatically as one of the top-ranked teams. They open the tournament against hosts England on June 12 at Edgbaston, which is the very first match of the competition.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu remains their biggest threat. The left-hander’s aggressive batting can single-handedly change a game in the powerplay. Sri Lanka will need strong support around her to progress past the group stage.
11. Ireland (Squad Yet to Be Announced)
Ireland qualified through the Global Qualifier in Nepal. They start their campaign with an all-Celtic derby against Scotland on June 13 at Old Trafford before facing England on June 16 at the Hampshire Bowl.
Captain Gaby Lewis has been instrumental in Ireland’s rise. As one of only four European teams in the tournament, Ireland will be eager to create upsets and prove their World Cup credentials.
12. Scotland (Squad Announced)
Scotland are playing in their second successive Women’s T20 World Cup. The big talking point is the return of left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon, who played for England at the 2018 T20 World Cup before switching back to Scotland in December 2025.
Squad: Kathryn Bryce (c), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul
Captain Kathryn Bryce leads a balanced squad that also features three graduates from the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup squad. Their opening game against Ireland on June 13 at Old Trafford sets up a genuine European derby. Scotland also face hosts England at Headingley on June 20.
Key Matches to Watch in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
While every match counts, some fixtures stand out as potential season-defining clashes. Here are the ones to circle on your calendar.
| Date | Match | Venue | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 | England vs Sri Lanka | Edgbaston | Group 2 |
| June 13 | Australia vs South Africa | Old Trafford | Group 1 |
| June 13 | West Indies vs New Zealand | Hampshire Bowl | Group 2 |
| June 14 | India vs Pakistan | Edgbaston | Group 1 |
| June 21 | South Africa vs India | Old Trafford | Group 1 |
| June 24 | England vs West Indies | Lord’s | Group 2 |
| June 27 | England vs New Zealand | The Oval | Group 2 |
| June 28 | Australia vs India | Lord’s | Group 1 |
| June 30 | Semi-Final 1 | The Oval | Knockout |
| July 2 | Semi-Final 2 | The Oval | Knockout |
| July 5 | Final | Lord’s | Knockout |
The India vs Pakistan clash on June 14 at Edgbaston is expected to be the most-watched group stage game, given the rivalry and both nations’ passionate fanbases. Meanwhile, Australia vs India at Lord’s on June 28 could effectively decide who tops Group 1.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Venues
All seven venues are in England. The ECB confirmed the venues in May 2025. Here is where the action unfolds.
| Venue | City | Capacity | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lord’s Cricket Ground | London | 30,000 | Final + Group |
| The Oval | London | 25,500 | Semi-Finals |
| Edgbaston | Birmingham | 25,000 | Group Matches |
| Old Trafford | Manchester | 26,000 | Group Matches |
| Headingley | Leeds | 18,350 | Group Matches |
| Hampshire Bowl | Southampton | 15,000 | Group Matches |
| Bristol County Ground | Bristol | 8,000 | Group Matches |
Warm-up matches will be played at Sophia Gardens (Cardiff), County Cricket Ground (Derby), and Haslegrave Ground (Loughborough).
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Winners List (2009–2024)
A quick look at every edition’s champion and runner-up puts Australia’s dominance in perspective.
| Year | Host | Champion | Runner-Up | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | England | England | New Zealand | 6 wkts |
| 2010 | West Indies | Australia | New Zealand | 3 runs |
| 2012 | Sri Lanka | Australia | England | 4 runs |
| 2014 | Bangladesh | Australia | England | 6 wkts |
| 2016 | India | West Indies | Australia | 8 wkts |
| 2018 | West Indies | Australia | England | 8 wkts |
| 2020 | Australia | Australia | India | 85 runs |
| 2023 | South Africa | Australia | South Africa | 19 runs |
| 2024 | UAE | New Zealand | South Africa | 32 runs |
Australia have won six out of nine editions and appeared in seven finals. England (2009), West Indies (2016), and New Zealand (2024) are the only other champions. India and South Africa have been runners-up but are yet to win the trophy.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Format Explained
The 2026 edition uses a straightforward group-plus-knockout format. Here is how it works:
Group Stage: Two groups of six teams. Each team plays five group matches. The top two from each group qualify for the semi-finals.
Semi-Finals: Winner of Group 1 vs Runner-up of Group 2 (Semi-Final 1, June 30 at The Oval). Winner of Group 2 vs Runner-up of Group 1 (Semi-Final 2, July 2 at The Oval).
Final: July 5 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. The total tournament runs for 24 days with 33 matches.
This is the first time the tournament features 12 teams, up from 10 in the 2024 edition. The expansion allows teams like Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland, and Bangladesh to compete on the global stage, widening the reach of women’s cricket.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Prize Money
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has a record prize pool of USD 8.76 million, marking another step forward for women’s cricket globally. This represents a significant increase from previous editions and reflects the ICC’s ongoing investment in the women’s game.
Where to Watch ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Live
The tournament has a wide broadcast network. Here are the key broadcasters by region:
| Region | TV Channel | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports | JioHotstar |
| UK | Sky Sports | Sky Go |
| Australia | Prime Video | Prime Video |
| USA | Willow TV / ESPN | Willow TV |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports | Myco |
| Global | ICC.tv | ICC.tv |
Final Thoughts: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Starts From 12th June
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be a landmark event. With 12 teams, seven iconic English venues, and a record prize pool, this edition is set to push women’s cricket further into the mainstream.
Whether it is Melie Kerr defending New Zealand’s crown, Harmanpreet Kaur chasing India’s elusive first title, or Netherlands making history on debut, there is a storyline for every cricket fan. See you at Edgbaston on June 12!