ICC Announces ODI World Cup 2027 Schedule

World Cup 2027 Schedule and Groups

The International Cricket Council announced the Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Schedule on Thursday. A total of 12 venues will host the tournament across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The 12 confirmed teams have been divided into two groups of six. Group A includes India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Qualifier A. Group B includes New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, and Qualifier B.

India’s Group Stage Campaign

India will open their campaign against defending champions Australia in Cape Town on October 7. This match is a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash will be played in Johannesburg on October 10. India will also face Afghanistan on October 14 in Tshwane, Qualifier A on October 17 in Bloemfontein, and Zimbabwe on October 24 in Victoria Falls.

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Key Group Stage Matches

South Africa will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Cape Town on October 9. Co-host Zimbabwe will face Qualifier A in Bulawayo on the same day. Other notable matches include Pakistan vs Afghanistan on October 8 in Tshwane, England vs Bangladesh on October 8 in Windhoek, and Australia vs Pakistan on October 22 in Paarl. The group stage runs from October 7 to October 24.

Super 7 Stage

The top three teams from each group will move into the Super 7 phase. The better fourth-place finisher across the two groups will take the seventh spot. The Super 7 stage begins on October 25 and runs through November 14. India’s matches in this stage include games against Australia on October 28 in Victoria Falls, South Africa on October 31 in Johannesburg, New Zealand on November 4 in Paarl, Pakistan on November 7 in Cape Town, England on November 11 in Gqeberha, and Sri Lanka on November 14 in Durban.

Semi-Finals and Final

The semi-finals will be played on November 17 in Cape Town and November 18 in Tshwane. The World Cup 2027 Schedule sees the final taking place on November 21 in Johannesburg.

Qualification and Venues

South Africa and Zimbabwe qualified directly as hosts. The best eight teams on the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings at the September 30, 2026 cut-off also qualified. The remaining four spots will be decided at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The top-placed finisher goes directly to the Group Stage, while the other three teams compete in the Super Series for a Group Stage spot. The Super Series will be held in Windhoek, Namibia, from October 2 to October 6, 2027. A total of 12 venues will host the tournament. 

In Zimbabwe, matches will be held in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. In South Africa, matches will be held in Cape Town, Paarl, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Bloemfontein, Durban, KuGompo City, and Gqeberha. The Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek will host the Super Series and three group games.

ICC Chairman’s Statement

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the announcement of the schedule and the opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones. He said the ICC aims to make the tournament accessible through affordable ticket options. He added that South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia would provide a memorable stage for the competition and looked forward to welcoming fans from around the world. He said the ICC remains committed to making its World Cup events accessible to as many fans as possible, with affordable ticket prices and options that bring families, young people, and local communities closer to the action.

Full Group Stage Schedule

The group stage begins on October 7 with India vs Australia in Cape Town. Other matches on October 8 include Pakistan vs Afghanistan in Tshwane and England vs Bangladesh in Windhoek. On October 9, Zimbabwe faces Qualifier A in Bulawayo, and South Africa takes on New Zealand in Cape Town. October 10 features India vs Pakistan in Johannesburg and Sri Lanka vs Qualifier B in Windhoek. The group stage continues through October 24 with matches across all venues.