The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 has gotten underway from January 15, with Zimbabwe and Namibia jointly hosting the 16th edition of the tournament. The final is scheduled to go on until February 6, bringing together the world’s best emerging cricketing talent in southern Africa.
Australia enter the competition as defending champions after beating India in the 2024 final and remain one of the most successful sides at this level, with four titles.
India continue to lead the tally with five championships, while Pakistan are the only other team to have won the tournament more than once. West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh and England have each lifted the trophy once.
The tournament will feature 16 teams from across the globe, divided into four groups, competing for a place in the knockout stages. Known for producing future international stars, the Under-19 World Cup remains a crucial platform for young cricketers to announce themselves on the world stage.
With multiple venues across two countries, a packed schedule and a competitive format, the 2026 edition promises high-intensity cricket and a glimpse into the future of the international game. You can catch all the live action and updates around 2026 U19 World Cup here on TimesofIndia.com.