The ICC Under-19 Men’s ODI World Cup 2026 begins January 15 across Zimbabwe and Namibia, featuring 16 nations. Several teams have unveiled squads while defending champions India keep fans waiting. This guide breaks down every confirmed lineup and key players for cricket’s premier youth tournament.
Under-19 Tournament Overview: What’s at Stake?
| Tournament Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | January 15, 2026 |
| End Date | February 6, 2026 |
| Host Nations | Zimbabwe & Namibia |
| Total Teams | 16 (4 groups) |
| Defending Champions | India (2024) |
| Most Titles | India (5 titles) |
The Under-19 World Cup launched careers of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan. For 2026, this tournament represents players’ moment to announce themselves globally.
Complete Squad Lists: Group-by-Group Breakdown
GROUP A: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
Australia Squad Captain: Oliver Peake
Full 15-Member Squad:

- Oliver Peake (c)
- Kasey Barton
- Naden Cooray
- Jayden Draper
- Ben Gordon
- Steven Hogan
- Thomas Hogan
- John James
- Charles Lachmund
- Will Malajczuk
- Nitesh Samuel
- Hayden Schiller
- Aryan Sharma
- William Taylor
- Alex Lee Young
Squad Analysis: Australia brings balance with the Hogan twins (Steven and Thomas) adding sibling synergy. Jayden Draper and Aryan Sharma are promising batting prospects. Australia’s youth cricket pedigree makes them early favorites.
Ireland Squad Captain: Olly Riley
Full 15-Member Squad:

- Olly Riley (c)
- Reuben Wilson
- Alex Armstrong
- Callum Armstrong
- Marko Bates
- Sebastian Dijkstra
- Thomas Ford
- Samuel Haslett
- Adam Leckey
- Febin Manoj
- Luke Murray
- Robert O’Brien
- Freddie Ogilby
- James West
- Bruce Whaley
Non-Travelling Reserves: Peter le Roux, William Shields
Squad Analysis: Ireland’s squad showcases growing cricket infrastructure. The Armstrong brothers (Alex and Callum) provide family chemistry. Ireland’s youth program continues building momentum.
Japan Squad Captain: Kazuma Kato-Stafford
Full 15-Member Squad:

- Kazuma Kato-Stafford (c)
- Charles Hara-Hinze
- Gabriel Hara-Hinze
- Montgomery Hara-Hinze
- Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett
- Timothy Moore
- Skyler Nakayama-Cook
- Ryuki Ozeki
- Nihar Parmar
- Nikhil Pol
- Chihaya Sekine
- Hugo Tani-Kelly
- Sandev Aaryan Waduge
- Kai Wall
- Taylor Waugh
Squad Analysis: Japan’s multicultural squad reflects cricket’s global appeal. The Hara-Hinze triplets (Charles, Gabriel, Montgomery) represent an extraordinary family story. Japan’s participation expands cricket’s Asian footprint.
Sri Lanka Squad: Yet to be announced
GROUP B: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, USA
All four squads yet to be announced
India – The Defending Champions’ Dilemma:
India’s BCCI remains tight-lipped about squad selection. As defending champions with five U19 World Cup titles (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2024), expectations are massive.
Current U19 Asia Cup form provides glimpses. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest IPL player at 13 (Rajasthan Royals, ₹1.10 crore), recently smashed 171 off 95 balls against UAE. Domestic tournaments like Cooch Behar Trophy have produced standout performers. The pace department looks strong, while spin remains India’s traditional strength.
India’s announcement is significant for the BCCI’s youth development philosophy. Will they choose experienced campaigners or gamble on explosive talents? Whoever gets selected carries the legacy of Kohli, Yuvraj, and Rohit.
GROUP C: England, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Pakistan Squad Captain: Farhan Yousaf | Vice-Captain: Usman Khan
Full 15-Member Squad:
- Farhan Yousaf (c)
- Usman Khan (vc)
- Abdul Subhan
- Ahmed Hussain
- Ali Hasan Baloch
- Ali Raza
- Daniyal Ali Khan
- Hamza Zahoor (wk)
- Huzaifa Ahsan
- Momin Qamar
- Mohammad Sayyam
- Mohammad Shayan (wk)
- Niqab Shafiq
- Sameer Minhas
- Umar Zaib
Non-Travelling Reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Mohammad Huzaifa
Squad Analysis: Pakistan’s fast bowling tradition continues with promising names. Dual wicketkeepers (Hamza Zahoor and Mohammad Shayan) provide flexibility. Captain Farhan Yousaf brings leadership, while Momin Qamar is an all-round prospect to watch.
Scotland Squad Captain: Thomas Knight
Full 15-Member Squad:
- Thomas Knight (c)
- Finlay Carter
- Max Chaplin
- George Cutler
- Rory Grant
- Finlay Jones
- Ollie Jones
- Ali Khan
- Olly Pillinger
- Ethan Ramsay
- Theo Robinson
- Manu Saraswat
- Shreyas Tekale
- Shlok Thaker
- Jake Woodhouse
Squad Analysis: Scotland’s multicultural squad includes South Asian diaspora players like Shreyas Tekale and Shlok Thaker, demonstrating cricket’s growth in associate nations.
Zimbabwe Squad Captain: Simbarashe Mudzengerere
Full 15-Member Squad:
- Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c)
- Kian Blignaut
- Michael Blignaut
- Leeroy Chiwaula
- Tatenda Chimugoro
- Brendon Senzere
- Nathaniel Hlabangana
- Takudzwa Makoni
- Panashe Mazai
- Webster Madhidhi
- Shelton Mazvitorera
- Kupakwashe Muradzi
- Brandon Ndiweni
- Dhruv Patel
- Benny Zuze
Squad Analysis: As co-hosts, Zimbabwe carries home advantage. The Blignaut brothers provide family chemistry, while wicketkeeper Nathaniel Hlabangana anchors the middle order.
England Squad: Yet to be announced
GROUP D: Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, West Indies
South Africa Squad Captain: Muhammad Bulbulia
Full 15-Member Squad:
- Muhammad Bulbulia (c)
- JJ Basson
- Daniel Bosman
- Corne Botha
- Paul James
- Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu
- Michael Kruiskamp
- Adnaan Lagadien
- Bayanda Majola
- Armaan Manack
- Bandile Mbatha
- Lethabo Phahlamohlaka
- Jason Rowles
- Ntandoyenkosi Soni
- Jorich van Schalkwyk
Squad Analysis: South Africa blends pace, spin, and batting depth. Armaan Manack and Bayanda Majola are names to remember from domestic age-group cricket.
Afghanistan, Tanzania, West Indies Squads: Yet to be announced
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where is the Under-19 World Cup 2026 being held?
Q: Which teams have announced their squads?
Six teams have announced: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Nine teams await announcement including India (defending champions), England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, USA, Afghanistan, Tanzania, West Indies, and Sri Lanka.





