The T20 World Cup 2026 is the 10th edition of the tournament and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka last hosted the T20 World Cup in 2012, while India hosted the 2016 edition. India was originally scheduled to host the tournament in 2021; however, it was held in the UAE and Oman due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7, with 20 teams competing for the title. The final will be played on March 8. It will be the second time the tournament features 20 teams. The teams have been divided into four groups of five, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage.
Which Teams Are in Group D?
Group D is widely regarded as the toughest group of the tournament, featuring three teams that reached the Super 8 stage in the previous edition. The five teams placed in Group D are South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
South Africa and Afghanistan earned direct qualification by finishing among the top seven teams at the 2024 T20 World Cup. South Africa, runners-up in the last edition, will be aiming to go one step further this time. Afghanistan, coming off a historic semi-final appearance in 2024, are no longer seen as underdogs and enter the tournament as genuine contenders.
New Zealand qualified through their position in the ICC T20I Team Rankings. After a disappointing group-stage exit in the previous tournament, they will be keen to reassert themselves on the global stage.
The final two spots were decided through regional qualification. Canada secured their place by winning the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final, finishing the tournament unbeaten. The United Arab Emirates qualified via the Asia-East Asia-Pacific Regional Final, marking their return to the World Cup with a squad experienced in subcontinental conditions.
Top 2 Teams Most Likely to Qualify from Group D
On paper, South Africa and New Zealand are the favorites to progress to the Super 8 stage. South Africa’s pace-heavy attack and explosive batting lineup give them a strong chance across venues, while New Zealand’s tactical discipline and tournament experience remain major assets.
However, Afghanistan pose a serious challenge to both teams. With all Group D matches being played in India, Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, could prove decisive on turning tracks. Their recent success in Asian conditions makes them a genuine threat to cause major upsets.
Canada and the UAE enter the group as outsiders, but both teams include players with significant experience in Asian T20 leagues. Still, consistently outperforming three established full-member sides will be a daunting task.
Which Grounds Will Group D Matches Be Played At?
Group D matches will be played across three venues in India, offering a mix of conditions ranging from spin-friendly surfaces to high-bounce wickets.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
The group begins with a high-profile clash between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 8. South Africa will start their campaign against Canada in Ahmedabad on February 9. One of the most anticipated matches of the group, New Zealand vs South Africa, is scheduled under lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium on February 14. Afghanistan and the UAE will face off in Delhi on February 16 in a matchup featuring familiar rivals.
