Fourteen teams will compete across three stages, with the final set for Johannesburg on November 21

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the format and schedule for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup, with 14 teams set to compete across three stages before the semi-finals.

The tournament will begin on October 2, 2027, with the final scheduled for November 21 in Johannesburg.

Three-phase format

The tournament will open with a three-team Super Series, featuring the second, third and fourth-placed teams from the Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The winner will claim the final place in the group stage.

The 14 teams will then be divided into two groups of six, with each side playing five matches. The top three teams from each group, plus the better-performing fourth-placed side, will advance to the Super 7 stage.

Points from the group stage will not be carried forward. Each Super 7 team will play six matches, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals. The first-placed team will face fourth, while second will meet third.

The semi-finals are scheduled for November 17 and 18, followed by the final on November 21. Reserved days have been allocated for the knockout matches.

Qualification and venues

Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe have qualified automatically, along with the top eight teams in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings at the September 30, 2026 cut-off. The remaining four places will be decided through the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Matches will be played across 12 venues in Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The ICC has also opened its ticket ballot, with prices ranging from USD 9.62 to USD 31.31. Family, student, pensioner and community-group pricing will also be available.