Afghanistan Qualify for 2027 ODI World Cup After Ireland Washout; Full List of Qualified Teams

Afghanistan have officially secured direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup after Ireland's first ODI against them in Bready was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain.

The washout ended Ireland's already slim hopes of overtaking Afghanistan in the ICC ODI Team Rankings before the qualification cut-off. Ireland, who were ranked 12th, needed a 5-0 series victory over Afghanistan along with favourable results involving the West Indies to have any mathematical chance of securing automatic qualification.

With the opening ODI washed out, Ireland can no longer achieve the required series result, effectively confirming Afghanistan's place among the teams heading directly to the 2027 World Cup. Ireland, meanwhile, will have to compete in the global qualifier tournament for a chance to reach the 14-team competition.

The 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia and will feature an expanded 14-team format. South Africa and Zimbabwe have secured automatic qualification as hosts, while India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Afghanistan have also earned direct berths through the qualification process.

Afghanistan's qualification marks another significant step forward for a side that has established itself as a competitive force in international cricket. Their growing consistency in ODI cricket has helped them secure a place at another major global tournament.

For Ireland, the abandoned match represents a major setback. Having needed a near-perfect run against Afghanistan to keep their hopes alive, the weather disruption brought their direct qualification campaign to an early end.

The remaining qualification spots will be determined through the global qualifier route, giving Ireland another opportunity to secure a place at the 2027 World Cup. Afghanistan, however, can now look ahead to the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia after officially booking their ticket.

ICC ODI World Cup 2027: List Of Qualified Teams

1. South Africa (co-hosts)
2. Zimbabwe (co-hosts)
   
3. India
4. Australia
5. New Zealand
6. Pakistan
7. Sri Lanka
8. England
9. Afghanistan
10. Bangladesh

Note: Namibia, despite being a co-host, will have to qualify through the qualification route.