ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027

What this countdown tracks

This page counts down to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, the 14th edition of the 50-over tournament. It tracks the build-up to a co-hosted event spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, beginning on 8 October 2027 with the hosts' opener in Johannesburg and ending with the final on 13 November 2027.

Tournament overview

The 2027 World Cup returns to southern Africa for the first time as a three-nation co-hosting arrangement, with South Africa carrying the bulk of the schedule. Of the 54 matches, 44 are scheduled in South Africa, 5 in Zimbabwe and 5 in Namibia, using a mix of Test venues and modernised regional grounds. The format reverts to a structure cricket fans last saw in 2003 and 1999: two groups of seven, with the top three from each group advancing into a Super Six stage where they carry forward points earned against fellow qualifiers, before two semi-finals and a final.

The 14-team field includes the three hosts plus the leading nations from the ICC's qualification pathway. Group A is built around South Africa, India, England, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Namibia and Ireland. Group B carries Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the West Indies, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Each side plays six group matches before the cut.

The Super Six stage runs 3–7 November 2027, threading nine cross-pool fixtures through eight venues. Semi-final 1 is scheduled for Newlands in Cape Town on 10 November, Semi-final 2 for the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 11 November, and the final returns to the Wanderers on 13 November. The Wanderers, traditionally a fast-bowler-friendly surface at altitude, will host the showpiece fixture for the first time at a senior men's World Cup.

This is the first ODI World Cup played under cricket's revised playing conditions following the 2024–2027 ICC cycle reviews, and the first since the 2023 tournament in India. It also lands during the final year of broadcast deals signed in the previous ICC rights cycle, which gives the tournament added commercial weight in markets such as India, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Why this tournament matters

The 2027 World Cup is the first 50-over global event since 2023 and the last opportunity for several long-serving players to compete at an ODI World Cup before generational turnover. For South Africa, hosting carries particular weight after the country last staged a senior men's ICC global event in 2009. The Super Six format also raises the stakes of group-stage upsets, because points carried forward can determine knockout seeding before a ball is bowled in the second round.

Key dates

• 8 October 2027 — Tournament opener, South Africa vs India, Wanderers Stadium
• 12 October 2027 — India vs Pakistan, East London
• 22 October 2027 — Australia vs New Zealand, Cape Town
• 3 November 2027 — Super Six stage begins
• 10 November 2027 — Semi-Final 1, Cape Town
• 11 November 2027 — Semi-Final 2, Johannesburg
• 13 November 2027 — Final, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Storylines to watch

• The first ODI World Cup at altitude since 2003, raising questions about par scores and powerplay aggression
• South Africa's first senior global ICC event in 18 years and the home pressure on Temba Bavuma's group
• Format reversion to two groups plus Super Six, last used in 2003
• Co-hosting logistics across three countries and four time zones (one shared)
• India's title defence dynamics following the 2023 final loss
• Generational transitions in several squads after the 2025 Champions Trophy cycle
• Potential weather disruption — early-spring conditions in South Africa can deliver late rain in coastal venues

Related

See the opener in Johannesburg, the final at the Wanderers and the parallel IPL 2027 Season hub.

FAQ

When does the 2027 Cricket World Cup start? The tournament begins on 8 October 2027 with South Africa vs India in Johannesburg.

Which countries host the 2027 World Cup? South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the bulk of matches in South Africa.

How many teams play? 14 teams in two groups of seven, with the top three advancing to the Super Six stage.

Where is the final? The final is scheduled at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on 13 November 2027.

How can I watch the World Cup? Expected broadcasters include Star Sports / JioCinema in India, Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and ESPN family channels in the United States, with regional ICC partners elsewhere.