Cricket World Cup 2027: the schedule, opening games and venues
The ICC has unveiled a 14-team, 57-match World Cup across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Here are the key dates to know.
The tournament at a glance
The ICC says the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup will run from 2 October to 21 November across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Fourteen teams are set to play 57 matches. The opening Super Series in Namibia leads into the group stage, Super Sevens, semi-finals and final.
The opening fixtures to circle
India meet Australia in Cape Town on 7 October. New Zealand and South Africa are scheduled for 8 October in Tshwane, while India and Pakistan meet in Johannesburg on 10 October. Always check the ICC schedule before making travel or viewing plans because fixtures can change.
Why the format matters
The new format includes a preliminary Super Series, a 12-team group stage and a seven-team round robin before the semi-finals. Follow each stage rather than looking only at a single points table: the route to the knockouts is different from earlier editions.
This briefing is based on ICC schedule announcement ↗. Check the original for later updates.