Next Cricket World Cup 2027: Dates, Hosts, Teams

By Sarah Miller · May 18, 2030

The next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will take place in 2027, hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 8 to November 13, 2027. This will be the 14th edition of the ODI World Cup, featuring a 14-team format with 55 matches scheduled across 12 venues.

Overview of the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is the premier One Day International (ODI) tournament for national teams, held every four years. The upcoming 2027 edition marks a historic moment as it will be the first time Southern Africa co-hosts the event, showcasing cricket's growing footprint across the continent.

Key Tournament Details

Dates: October 8 – November 13, 2027
Host Nations: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia
Participating Teams: 14
Total Matches: 55
Venues: 12 stadiums across three countries
Format: Round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds
Defending Champions: Australia (2023 winners)

Host Countries and Venues

The 2027 World Cup will leverage world-class cricket infrastructure across Southern Africa. South Africa will serve as the primary host, providing the majority of venues and logistical support, while Zimbabwe and Namibia will each host group-stage matches.

Confirmed Host Cities and Stadiums

Country	City	Stadium	Capacity	Past World Cup Use
South Africa	Johannesburg	Wanderers Stadium	34,000	Yes (2003)
South Africa	Cape Town	Newlands	25,000	Yes (2003)
South Africa	Durban	Kingsmead	22,000	Yes (2003)
Zimbabwe	Harare	Harare Sports Club	10,000	No
Namibia	Windhoek	Wanderers Cricket Ground	5,000	No

Table data source:ICC Official Website, Cricket South Africa

The table highlights key venues selected for the 2027 tournament. South Africa’s major cricket centers will host high-profile matches, including semi-finals and the final. Harare Sports Club and Windhoek Wanderers represent expansion into emerging cricket markets, signaling the ICC’s commitment to globalizing the sport.

Qualification Process and Participating Teams

Fourteen teams will compete in the 2027 World Cup, an increase from the 10-team format used in 2023. The qualification pathway includes the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, regional qualifiers, and a final qualifying tournament.

Tentative Qualification Structure

Automatic Qualifiers (10 teams): Top 8 ODI nations based on rankings + hosts (counted within top 8 or via host slot)
Super League (2 teams): Positions 9–10 in the CWC Super League standings
Global Qualifier (2 teams): Winner and runner-up from a 10-team qualifier tournament

The expanded format allows more associate nations to participate, increasing competitive diversity and global engagement.

Historical Context and Past Winners

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup began in 1975 and has grown into one of the most-watched sporting events globally. Australia holds the record for most titles with six championships.

Year	Host(s)	Winner	Runner-up	Championships
2023	India	Australia	India	Aus: 6
2019	England & Wales	England	New Zealand	Eng: 1
2015	Australia & New Zealand	Australia	New Zealand	Aus: 5
2011	India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh	India	Sri Lanka	Ind: 2
2007	West Indies	Australia	Sri Lanka	Aus: 4

Table data source:ICC Historical Records

The historical data shows Australia’s dominance in the tournament, having won six of the thirteen editions. India and West Indies are the only other multiple-time champions among full members. The 2027 event could see rising associate nations challenge traditional powers due to expanded participation.

About the 2027 Format and Schedule

The 2027 World Cup will feature a new structure: a single group of 14 teams playing a double round-robin phase (each team plays 13 matches), followed by a Super 6 stage and then semifinals and final.

Group Stage: 91 matches (all teams play each other once; top 10 advance)
Super 6: Two groups of three; top two from each advance
Semifinals & Final: Traditional knockout stage

This hybrid model balances competitiveness with inclusivity, ensuring more games for fans and greater exposure for developing cricket nations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Next Cricket World Cup

When is the next Cricket World Cup?

The next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will be held from October 8 to November 13, 2027.

Which countries are hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

The 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

How many teams will participate in the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

A total of 14 teams will participate in the 2027 tournament, expanded from 10 in the 2023 edition.

How can teams qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

Teams can qualify through the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, regional pathways, and a final global qualifier tournament involving top associate nations.

Where will the 2027 Cricket World Cup final be held?

The final is expected to be held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, though the official venue will be confirmed closer to the event.