ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, all you need to know:16 teams to play 41 matches, India have won 5 titles; all eyes on Vaibhav Suryavanshi

The ICC Under-19 World Cup has been a breeding ground wherein the likes of Brian Lara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and many others announced themselves on the world stage. The 16th edition of the U-19 World Cup begins on 15 January, with up-and-coming talents from 16 countries vying for the coveted trophy. For the next three weeks, the participating teams will fight it out at three venues. Zimbabwe and Namibia are co-hosting the fifty-over spectacle. Ayush Mhatre will be captaining the Indian team, brimming with talented youngsters like Aaron George, Kanishk Chouhan, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, among others. Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming Under-19 World Cup 2026 1) Where is the U-19 World Cup being played? Zimbabwe and Namibia are the co-hosts of the tournament. Five venues have been finalised across three cities, Harare (Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Sports Club) and Bulawayo (Queens Sports Club) in Zimbabwe and Windhoek (Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval) in Namibia. 2) What is the format of the tournament? The 16 contenders will be divided into four groups of four teams each. After the initial stage of round-robin fixtures, the top three teams from each group will qualify for the Super Six stage. The top two teams from each Super Six bracket will qualify for the semi-finals. The final will be played in Harare. 3) When does the tournament begin? A total of 41 matches will be played during a span of three weeks. The tournament begins on 15 January with India playing the USA. A total of 24 group stage matches will be played, 12 in Zimbabwe, and 12 in Namibia. The Super Sixes stage begins on 25 January, followed by the two semifinals on 3 4 February. The summit clash is on 6th February. 4) Which teams are participating in the U-19 carnival? Australia, India, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies qualified directly for the tournament. Zimbabwe made the cut, but Namibia, despite being co-hosts, missed out. Afghanistan, Japan, USA, Scotland and Tanzania have qualified for the tournament. It will be Tanzania’s first appearance in a global event. 5) Which teams have won the ICC U-19 World Cup previously? India are the most successful team in the ICC U-19 World Cup history with five titles. Defending champions Australia won their fourth title, while Pakistan have won the coveted trophy twice. England, South Africa, West Indies and Bangladesh have won the trophy once each. 6) Any differences from the senior men’s World Cup? Yes, while the matches will be officiated by the TV Umpire, unlike the senior men’s ODI World Cup, no DRS will be available for the U-19 World Cup. That means players will not be able to challenge the umpire’s decision, even if they wish to do so. 7) Which teams are in India’s group? The Indian team, led by Ayush Mhatre have been drawn in Group B, alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand and the USA. Arch-rivals Pakistan are in Group C, alongside England, Scotland and Zimbabwe. 8) What does India’s squad look like? India’s squad for ICC U-19 World Cup 2026 – Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvansh Singh, R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan. 9) Top players to watch out for? Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14) is one of the biggest prodigies to look out for. He smashed a century during the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa and also has an IPL century under his name. Aaron George is another prolific Indian batter. Pakistan’s Sameer Minhas impressed during the recently concluded U-19 Asia Cup, wherein his team beat India in the final. Oliver Peake won the World Cup in the last edition with Australia and will be making his second appearance, this time as a captain. 10) How to watch the ICC U-19 World Cup? Star Sports will be telecasting the ICC U-19 World Cup matches in India, while JioStar will be live-streaming the matches. Fans can stay tuned to the Bhaskar English app for live coverage of the U-19 World Cup 2026.