The stage is set for cricket’s next generation to shine. India’s Under-19 team will open their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA on January 15 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. As the tournament co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a showcase of future cricket superstars.
Table of Contents
India U-19 World Cup Complete Group Stage Schedule
| Match | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | India vs USA | January 15, 2026 | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Match 2 | India vs Bangladesh | January 17, 2026 | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Match 3 | India vs New Zealand | January 24, 2026 | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
Tournament Overview: A Platform for Future Icons
The 16-team tournament will feature 41 matches played over 23 days from January 15 to February 6, 2026, with the final scheduled at Harare Sports Club. ICC Chairman Jay Shah perfectly captured the tournament’s significance, describing it as the place where future legends emerge.
“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,” Shah noted, emphasizing the World Cup’s remarkable track record of producing cricket’s biggest stars.
Group Stage Breakdown
India finds itself in Group A alongside Bangladesh, the USA, and New Zealand, while traditional rivals Pakistan have been placed in Group B with Zimbabwe, England, and Scotland—meaning fans won’t see an India-Pakistan clash in the league stage.
Group A: India, USA, Bangladesh, New Zealand
Group B: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland
Group C: Australia (defending champions), Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
Group D: Tanzania (debutants), West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa
Tournament Venues
Five premier venues will host the competition: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe, plus Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval in Windhoek, Namibia.
India’s Championship Pedigree
India enters as the most decorated nation in U19 World Cup history with five titles (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022). However, they’ll be hungry for redemption after defending champions Australia defeated them in the 2024 finals.
The tournament has been a launching pad for India’s biggest stars—Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Shubman Gill, and Prithvi Shaw all announced themselves on this stage. This year’s squad could feature talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the recent IPL sensation who could become one of the tournament’s youngest-ever players.
For comprehensive U19 World Cup coverage, player profiles, and match analysis, visit TechnoSports.
Tournament Format Explained
The competition follows a three-stage structure:
- Group Stage: Round-robin format within four groups
- Super Six Stage: Top three teams from each group advance to form two groups of six
- Knockout Stage: Semi-finals and final with reserve days
This format ensures maximum competitive intensity while giving teams multiple chances to prove their mettle.
Historic Debuts and Returns
Tanzania will make their tournament debut on the opening day against the West Indies, while Japan returns after featuring in the 2020 edition. These additions highlight cricket’s expanding global footprint and the tournament’s role in developing the sport worldwide.
What to Expect from Team India
With warm-up matches scheduled from January 9-14, India will have ample preparation time to fine-tune their strategy. The team will look to dominate their group and carry momentum into the Super Six stage. Given their pedigree and depth in youth cricket infrastructure, India remains among the favorites to lift the trophy.
Stay updated with live scores, breaking news, and expert cricket analysis at TechnoSports throughout the tournament.
FAQs
Q: When and where is India’s first match in the U19 World Cup 2026?
India will play their opening match against the USA on January 15, 2026, at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. All three of India’s group-stage matches will be played at the same venue, with subsequent games against Bangladesh (January 17) and New Zealand (January 24).
Q: Will India face Pakistan in the group stage of the U19 World Cup 2026?
No, India and Pakistan have been placed in different groups—India in Group A and Pakistan in Group B. This means the two traditional rivals could only meet in the later stages of the tournament (Super Six, semi-finals, or final), provided both teams qualify from their respective groups.
