2027 Cricket World Cup Dates and Hosts Revealed

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-12

The 2027 Men's ODI World Cup is officially set to run from October 4 to November 21. This tournament will be a big deal for cricket fans, especially because it's coming back to Africa after more than two decades. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will all play host, with South Africa taking on the bulk of the matches. Dates were finalized during the ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad back in May, but the final details won't be locked in until the ICC's AGM in Edinburgh this July. So there's still a little wiggle room, but the core schedule is solid. ### Where the Games Will Be Played South Africa will use eight venues to host at least 41 of the 54 total games. That's a lot of cricket spread across the country. Zimbabwe will get between eight and ten matches across three venues: Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, and a newer addition, Victoria Falls. Originally, the plan was just two venues in Zimbabwe, but they added Victoria Falls to the mix. Namibia will host three games, which is a big moment for a smaller cricketing nation. The Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is still being built. It's expected to be finished later this year, and after some domestic matches, it'll have an official inauguration next May. There were talks about South Africa traveling to Zimbabwe in August to open the stadium as an international venue, but those plans have been pushed back. ### A 14-Team Format Makes a Comeback One of the biggest changes is the tournament format. After the last two World Cups in 2019 and 2023 featured just 10 teams, the 2027 edition goes back to a 14-team field. All 14 sides will be split into two groups of seven. The top three from each group will move on to the Super Six stage. This is a big deal because it gives more nations a chance to compete on the biggest stage. South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as Full Members. Namibia, even though they're a co-host, still has to go through the qualification process. So it's not a free pass for them, which adds some drama. ### First ODI World Cup in Africa Since 2003 This will be the first men's ODI World Cup on African soil since the 2003 tournament. South Africa has hosted other big cricket events since then, like the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2009 Champions Trophy, and the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup. But the men's ODI showpiece returning to the continent after more than two decades is a huge moment for African cricket. Zimbabwe and Namibia have recent experience with big events too. They co-hosted the Under-19 Men's World Cup not long ago, so they're not starting from scratch. That experience should help them pull off a smooth tournament. ### What's Still Up in the Air for the ICC Calendar The 2027 World Cup will be the opening event of the 2027–2031 Future Tours Programme. The FTP, which sets the schedule for bilateral international matches between nations, is still being worked out. It's expected to be finalized at ICC meetings in Hong Kong later this year. Here's the main sticking point: the World Test Championship. The ICC is deciding whether to bring all 12 Full Members into the WTC. Right now, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan sit outside it. They're also debating whether one-off Tests can count within the WTC schedule. A decision might come at the July AGM in Edinburgh, and after that, the full FTP structure will be drawn up. - The 2027 World Cup runs from October 4 to November 21. - South Africa hosts 41 of 54 games across eight venues. - Zimbabwe gets 8-10 games at three venues, including the new Victoria Falls stadium. - Namibia hosts three games, but must qualify as a co-host. - The 14-team format returns after two 10-team editions. The bottom line: this World Cup is shaping up to be a historic event for African cricket. With more teams, new venues, and a return to the continent, there's a lot to look forward to. Stay tuned for more updates as the ICC finalizes the details.