Namibia will host 16 matches at the ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup which will be co-hosted with Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February next year.
The International Cricket Council announced the fixtures on Wednesday, for the tournament that will see 16 teams competing across 41 matches, culminating in the final at the Harare Sports Club on 6 February.
Teams will compete in four groups of four, with the top three of each group progressing to a Super Sixes stage, leading into the semifinals and the final.
Namibia did not qualify for the World Cup after missing out at the African qualifier earlier this year with the continent now being represented by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
Namibia, however, were already confirmed as a co-host more than a year ago, and will host their matches at the recently inaugurated FNB Namibia Cricket Ground and the HP Oval.
The tournament gets underway with three matches on 15 January, with two matches in Zimbabwe and one on Namibia, when Tanzania take on the West Indies at the HP Oval.
The next day the defending champions, Australia, open their title defence against Ireland at the Namibia Cricket Ground, while South Africa take on Afghanistan at the HP Oval.
Namibia will stage several other exciting match-ups including West Indies against Afghanistan on 18 January, West Indies v South Africa on 22 January, and Australia v Sri Lanka on 23 January.
Ten teams earned automatic qualification based on their performance in the 2024 edition, joining hosts Zimbabwe. The remaining five teams clinched their places through regional qualification events, reflecting the expanding global footprint of the U19 pathway.
ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said he was looking forward to the tournament, which will see the future stars of world cricket on display.
“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket. This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.
“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams. I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”
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