How teams qualified for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026
A look at the qualification paths of the 12 participants for the upcoming global event.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to commence on June 12 in England and Wales. The biggest Women's World Cup in the shortest format yet, the event will see as many as 12 teams participating.
The participants' paths to England have taken varying forms – here is a look at how they got there and the format which awaits them once action gets underway.
New Zealand win the T20 World Cup | Final | WT20WC 2024
Five teams - defending champions New Zealand alongwith Australia, India, South Africa and the West Indies were through to the mega event due to their performances in the latest edition of the Women's T20 World Cup in 2024.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Pakistan joined in through their world rankings. England, apart from being the hosts of the coveted event, also made it by virtue of their world ranking.
The remaining four spots was up for grabs at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier, which took place between 18 January and 1 February in Nepal.
Dominant Bangladesh booked their place for the marquee event, after remaining unbeaten throughout to top the table. They were joined by first-time qualifiers the Netherlands, who sealed their spot after the 21-run (DLS) victory over the USA.
USA v Netherlands | Match Highlights | Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier
Netherlands qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a 21-run (DLS method) victory over the USA.
Ireland and Scotland were the remaining two teams to make it through the Qualifier. This will be Ireland’s fifth appearance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, while Scotland return for a second time having made their debut two years ago.
The 12 nations are split into two groups of six, with Australia, Bangladesh, India, the Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa in Group 1 and hosts England in Group 2 alongside Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
The first semi-final will take place on 30 June, with the second on 2 July, both at The Oval. The two victorious sides will advance to the final, which is at Lord’s on 5 July.
Warm-up matches prior to the tournament will be held at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, Derby County Ground and Loughborough University – home of the ECB’s National Cricket Performance Centre.