Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: What to expect

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup returns this summer for its 10th edition, bringing the largest field in tournament history. Twelve teams will compete across England and Wales from June 12, with hosts England joined by Sri Lanka, West Indies, India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and defending champions New Zealand through world rankings. Bangladesh, Scotland, Ireland and debutants the Netherlands qualified via the Global Qualifier earlier this year.

The format features two groups of six, a full round robin, and semifinals at The Oval on June 30 and July 2 before the final at Lord’s on July 5. Seven venues will stage 33 matches, while all teams will play warm‑ups in Derby, Loughborough and Cardiff. The Netherlands enter their first World Cup aiming for at least two wins and a top‑eight finish, with captain Babette de Leede embracing the underdog role. England, champions in 2009, hope home conditions inspire another historic run.