T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: Afghanistan matches, groups, venue, streaming

The countdown for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has officially begun as the ICC announced February 7, 2026, as the official start date for the tenth ICC T20 World Cup. One of the most entertaining teams to watch this time will be the rising stars from Asia, Afghanistan, who stunned everyone by reaching the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and getting direct qualification for the 2026 event. They will start their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai. 

Afghanistan are drawn in Group D for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, and the UAE.

Match No.	Fixture	Venue	Date	Time (IST)
4th Match, Group D	New Zealand vs Afghanistan	Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium	Sun, Feb 8, 2026	11:00:00 AM
13th Match, Group D	South Africa vs Afghanistan	Ahmedabad, Narendra Modi Stadium	Wed, Feb 11, 2026	11:00:00 AM
28th Match, Group D	Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates	Delhi, Arun Jaitley Stadium	Mon, Feb 16, 2026	11:00:00 AM
39th Match, Group D	Afghanistan vs Canada	Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium	Thu, Feb 19, 2026	07:00:00 PM

Afghanistan vs New Zealand: 4th Match, Group D (Feb 08) 

Afghanistan begin their campaign against a well-balanced New Zealand side that thrives in global tournaments. The contest will test Afghanistan’s power-hitters against the disciplined Kiwi attack. Spin will be Afghanistan’s biggest weapon, and an early win could set the tone for their Group D journey.

Afghanistan vs South Africa: 13th Match, Group D (Feb 11) 

A dynamic South African side poses a major mid-group challenge for Afghanistan. The Proteas’ pace battery and explosive batting order demand tactical precision from Rashid Khan’s men. Afghanistan’s spinners must control the middle overs to stay competitive in what could be one of the group’s most decisive fixtures.

Afghanistan vs UAE: 28th Match, Group D (Feb 16) 

Afghanistan enter this fixture as favourites but cannot afford complacency against a UAE team that has improved steadily in T20 cricket. Expect Afghanistan’s experienced core to dictate the tempo, while UAE will rely on discipline and fielding intensity to create pressure. Victory here is crucial for qualification momentum.

Afghanistan vs Canada: 39th Match, Group D (Feb 19) 

Canada offer an unpredictable challenge, with several aggressive batters capable of upsetting stronger opponents. Afghanistan will look to dominate through spin and early breakthroughs, ensuring control from the start. With potential qualification stakes high, this match demands sharp execution and minimal errors from the Afghan unit.

When will Afghanistan start their ICC 2026 T20 World Cup campaign? 

Afghanistan will start their ICC 2026 T20 World Cup campaign on February 8, 2026, against New Zealand in Chennai.

What will be the venue for Sri Lanka’s matches during group stages of ICC 2026 T20 World Cup? 

Afghanistan, in the group stages of the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup, will take on New Zealand and Canada in Chennai, South Africa in Ahmedabad, and the UAE in Delhi.

Where to watch live telecast of Afghanistan matches in ICC 2026 T20 World Cup in India? 

The live telecast of all the Afghanistan matches in the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.

Where to watch live streaming of Afghanistan matches in ICC 2026 T20 World Cup in India? 

The live streaming of all the Afghanistan matches in the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.