T20 World Cup 2026 Qualification: Who’s In and Who’s Out After Group Stage Drama?

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is entering a thrilling phase as the group stage draws to a close. With excitement at a peak, five teams have already cemented their places in the Super Eight round, leaving several others still battling for survival in this tightly contested global event.

Teams Already Through

India remain the standout side in Group A, cruising unbeaten into the Super 8s with three wins from three matches. Their consistency has come from both batting firepower and bowling discipline, epitomised by standout performances such as Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten rescue against the USA and Ishan Kishan’s commanding knock against Pakistan, showcasing India’s intent to defend their title emphatically.

Sri Lanka, the co-hosts, have also secured their advance from Group B with six points and an impressive net run rate. A dominant eight-wicket win over Australia, highlighted by Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century, confirmed their credentials as a serious contender in front of a passionate home crowd.

In Group C, the West Indies have powered through with three straight wins, combining explosive batting, including a strong showing against England, with incisive bowling performances. Their balance of experience and attacking cricket has made them one of the tournament’s most exciting teams.

South Africa top Group D, showcasing consistency and depth. Crucial victories over New Zealand and others in their pool have demonstrated both batting resilience and bowling wicket-taking ability, positioning them well as knock-out contenders.

Completing the list of confirmed qualifiers, England narrowly secured their place in the Super 8s. Surviving a high-scoring challenge from Italy, England’s batting depth was on display, while key contributions from all-rounders helped close out important wins.

Teams Still in the Mix

Several sides remain in contention but have not yet sealed qualification. Zimbabwe have made one of the tournament’s biggest statements so far, upsetting Australia and sitting well in Group B with four points and a booming net run rate. Their clash against Ireland now becomes pivotal to their progression hopes.

Ireland sit on two points and require favourable results in other fixtures to keep their Super Eight hopes alive, while USAremain hopeful with four points but must wait on outcomes to confirm their status.

In Group A, Pakistan are also in control of their destiny; a win in their final group match will secure progression, though poor net run rate could complicate matters.

New Zealand, too, can confirm advancement with a victory over Canada, whereas teams such as Afghanistan face a trickier path that relies on other results and substantial net run rate improvements.

Teams Eliminated

On the flip side, several teams have been eliminated from Super Eight contention. Italy, despite a spirited campaign including their first World Cup appearances, have concluded their run without progress. Namibia, Oman and Nepal also exit after failing to win in the group stage, and Scotland’s hopes were extinguished with England’s clinching victory in their group.