Sports

ICC Announces Major World Cup Format Overhaul

By Web Desk / July 15, 2026

New World Cup Formats

Consequently, the ICC has approved major changes to the formats. These changes affect the ICC Men\’s Cricket World Cup and ICC Men\’s T20 World Cup.

ODI World Cup Changes

Meanwhile, the Board finalized its decisions during the ICC Board\’s annual meetings in Edinburgh. Furthermore, officials endorsed recommendations to strengthen tournament structures, improve competitive balance, and enhance fan experience. In addition, the 14‑team ICC Men\’s Cricket World Cup will now use a three‑stage format before knockout rounds. Subsequently, teams ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th will first play a round‑robin Super Series. Afterward, only the winner of that series will advance to the main event. Consequently, two groups of six teams will contest a new Super 7 stage. As a result, the top four sides will qualify for the semi‑finals.

T20 World Cup Changes

Meanwhile, the ICC Men\’s T20 World Cup will keep 20 teams but adopt a completely revised format. In addition, the opening stage will now feature five groups of four teams instead of four groups of five. Furthermore, the top two teams from each group will move to a new Super 10 stage. Consequently, an Eliminator round will also decide the final two semi‑finalists alongside the two group winners.

Future Plans

Additionally, the ICC proposes a separate 16‑team global tournament for Associate Member nations. Moreover, this tournament would give associate nations more international exposure and stronger competition. Finally, the Board approved the qualification pathway for the 2028 ICC Men\’s T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Scotland will enter directly into the Europe Regional Final under exceptional circumstances. Consequently, teams that missed automatic qualification from the 2026 T20 World Cup will progress straight to the Global Qualifier. Finally, the remaining spots will be decided through regional tournaments. As a result, successful teams will earn World Cup qualification by meeting required performance standards.