Excitement for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 is surging, with the tournament returning to Africa after more than two decades. Co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the 14-team event runs from 2 October to 21 November 2027 and features 57 matches across 12 venues.
The schedule, released on 1 October 2026, opens with a three-team Super Series in Windhoek, Namibia, from 2 to 6 October. These matches decide the final places in the group stage. Group action then begins on 7 October when defending champions Australia face India at Newlands in Cape Town, a rematch of the 2023 final.
The biggest draw arrives three days later. India meet Pakistan in Johannesburg on 10 October, a clash already generating massive interest. Other early highlights include South Africa versus New Zealand in Cape Town on 9 October and Pakistan versus Afghanistan in Tshwane on 8 October.
The 14 teams are split into two groups of six. Group A contains India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. Group B features New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Qualifier B. The top three from each group, plus the best-performing fourth-placed side, advance to a Super 7 stage. The top four from that phase progress to the semi-finals.
Semi-finals are scheduled for 17 November in Cape Town and 18 November in Tshwane (Centurion). The final takes place on 21 November at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, the same venue that hosted the 2003 final.
Ticket demand has already exploded. Within days of the ballot opening on 1 October 2026, applications surpassed one million. More than 100,000 requests were received for the India-Pakistan match alone, with strong interest also shown for South Africa versus India and India versus Australia.
Tickets are priced accessibly. Entry-level seats start at approximately USD 9.62 (R158), while the highest-tier tickets cost around USD 31.31 (R514). Special rates apply for families, students, pensioners, local early-bird buyers, community clubs and school groups. Fans register free of charge at tickets.cricketworldcup.com. The ballot remains open until 23:59 CAT on 21 November 2026. Successful applicants are selected randomly if demand exceeds supply and then invited to purchase.
The tournament marks Namibia’s debut as a World Cup host and Zimbabwe’s return after a long absence. Venues include iconic grounds in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, Bulawayo, Harare and the newly built stadium at Victoria Falls.
With a fresh format, affordable tickets and several high-profile early fixtures, the 2027 World Cup is already shaping up as one of cricket’s most anticipated events. Fans still have time to enter the ballot and secure their place at the action.
