Why no host nation has ever won the trophy:India knocked out South Africa in 2007; eight teams failed to qualify for semis

The T20 World Cup 2026 kicked off on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka, and the opening days have already delivered excitement and surprises. While there were no major shocks in terms of results, associate teams like the Netherlands, Nepal, and the USA impressed everyone with their fighting performances. The USA, in particular, pushed host India and raised a few heartbeats. In nine T20 World Cups hosted by 10 countries, host teams failed to reach the semifinals seven times. Champions defeated host nations four times during their title runs, while in three tournaments, champions had earlier lost to the hosts. Sri Lanka in 2012 and India in 2016 came closest to breaking the curse, reaching the final and semi-final, respectively. However, both campaigns ended in disappointment against the West Indies. Here’s a look at how host nations have performed in every T20 World Cup so far. Host teams’ performance in T20 World Cups 2007: India knock out hosts South Africa The inaugural T20 World Cup was held in South Africa from September 11 to 24. The hosts started well, defeating West Indies and Bangladesh in the group stage. They advanced to the Super-8 alongside India, New Zealand, and England. South Africa beat England and New Zealand but suffered a crucial 37-run loss to India in their final Super-8 match. That defeat knocked them out of the tournament. India went on to win the first-ever T20 World Cup. 2009: England stunned by the Netherlands England hosted the tournament from June 5 to 21 and suffered an early shock, losing their opening match to the Netherlands by four wickets. England recovered to reach the Super-8 but lost to South Africa and the West Indies despite beating India. With two defeats, England failed to qualify for the semifinals. Pakistan, which had lost to England earlier, went on to win the title. 2010: West Indies fail to reach the semifinals The 2010 edition was played in the West Indies. The hosts beat Ireland and England in the group stage but struggled in the Super-8. They lost heavily to Sri Lanka, beat India narrowly, but then lost their final Super-8 match to Australia. West Indies missed out on the semifinals, while England defeated Australia in the final to win the trophy. 2012: Sri Lanka lose final at home against the Windies Sri Lanka hosted the tournament from September 18 to October 7. After mixed results in the group stage, they performed strongly in the Super-8, including a dominant win over the West Indies. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the semi-final to reach the final in Colombo. However, they collapsed for just 101 runs while chasing 138 against the West Indies and lost the final on home soil. 2014: Bangladesh struggle badly Bangladesh hosted the tournament from March 16 to April 7. They qualified for the Super-10 stage but failed to win a single match there. Losses against West Indies, India, Pakistan, and Australia ended their campaign early. 2016: India exit in the semifinals India hosted the World Cup from March 8 to April 3. After an opening loss to New Zealand, India recovered with wins against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Australia. India reached the semi-finals but lost to the West Indies despite posting a strong total of 192 runs. West Indies later defeated England in the final to win the title. 2021: India were knocked out early in the group stage Although scheduled to be played in India, the 2021 World Cup was held in the UAE due to COVID-19. India, still considered the host, suffered heavy defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand and were eliminated early. Australia won their first T20 World Cup title by beating New Zealand in the final. 2022: Australia failed to reach the knockouts Australia hosted the tournament from October 16 to November 13. They were thrashed by New Zealand in their opening match by 89 runs. Despite a few wins later, Australia failed to qualify for the semifinals due to a poor net run rate. England went on to win the title by defeating Pakistan in the final. 2024: West Indies and USA fall short The 2024 World Cup was jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies. West Indies dominated the group stage but lost to England and South Africa in the Super-8, missing out on the semifinals. The USA made history by qualifying for a World Cup for the first time and even defeated Pakistan in a Super Over. However, they couldn’t win a match in the Super-8 stage.