ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: How All 12 Teams Qualified for the Tournament

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 will be the biggest edition in the tournament's history, with 12 teams set to compete in England.

While some nations secured direct qualification through rankings and performances at the previous edition, others had to battle through a demanding global qualifier to earn their place.

Here is a look at how every team qualified and the format awaiting them in England.

How teams qualified for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Hosts England qualified automatically for the tournament, although the 2009 champions would also have secured a spot through their ICC rankings.

Australia, India, South Africa, West Indies and defending champions New Zealand qualified based on their performances at the 2024 edition of the tournament.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan then sealed qualification through their ICC Women's T20I rankings.

That left four places available through the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier, which was held in Nepal between January 18 and February 1.

Bangladesh dominate qualifier campaign

Bangladesh remained unbeaten throughout the tournament to comfortably secure qualification for the main event.

Sobhana Mostary starred with the bat, scoring 262 runs at an average of 52.40 to win the Player of the Tournament award.

Bangladesh finished as one of the standout teams of the competition and booked their return to the Women's T20 World Cup in dominant fashion.

Netherlands create history with maiden qualification

The Netherlands scripted history by qualifying for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup for the first time.

Their memorable qualification was confirmed after a 21-run DLS victory over the USA, with players celebrating by sliding across the rain-soaked covers after the final result.

The Dutch side became one of the biggest stories of the qualification campaign and will now make their debut appearance on the global stage.

Ireland and Scotland also secure qualification

Ireland and Scotland completed the final four qualifying spots.

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis led from the front with a tournament-high 276 runs, while Arlene Kelly impressed with 13 wickets, including figures of four for seven in the crucial win over Thailand.

Scotland sealed qualification after defeating the USA by 41 runs, with Kathryn Bryce once again proving instrumental by picking up 12 wickets during the tournament.

This will mark Ireland's fifth appearance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, while Scotland will feature for only the second time after making their debut in 2024.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 groups

The 12 teams have been divided into two groups of six.

Group 1

• Australia
• Bangladesh
• India
• Netherlands
• Pakistan
• South Africa

Group 2

• England
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• Scotland
• Sri Lanka
• West Indies

Each side will face every other team in their group once, with the top two teams progressing to the semi-finals.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 knockout schedule

The semi-finals will take place at The Oval on:

• June 30
• July 2

The final will then be played at Lord's on July 5.

Warm-up matches ahead of the tournament are scheduled to be held at:

• Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
• Derby County Ground
• Loughborough University, home of the ECB National Cricket Performance Centre.