ICC announces complete list of teams qualified for the T20 World Cup 2028

As the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reached its climax, the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially unveiled the list of teams that have secured automatic qualification for the T20 World Cup 2028.

The announcement brings clarity and excitement for fans worldwide, with 12 teams already assured of their participation in the next global T20 spectacle. While some earned their spots through strong performances in the ongoing 2026 tournament, others qualified by virtue of hosting rights or ICC rankings.

Australia and New Zealand, as co-hosts of the 2028 edition, were guaranteed direct entry. Now, a group of heavyweight cricketing nations have joined them after progressing to the Super Eights in 2026 — underlining their consistency and dominance in the shortest format of the game.

Super eights finishers reap the rewards

Reaching the Super Eights in a global tournament is no small feat, and the ICC has rewarded those efforts with direct qualification for 2028.

Cricket giants like India, South Africa, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka ensured their spots with commanding campaigns. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and West Indies also booked their tickets, proving their resilience and growth on the international stage.

For teams like Zimbabwe, the qualification marks a significant step forward in their cricketing journey. For West Indies, the two-time T20 World Cup champions, it is another opportunity to revive their legacy in the format they once ruled.

The early confirmation offers these teams stability and time to plan long-term strategies ahead of the 2028 tournament.

Rankings seal the final automatic spots

In addition to the nine teams confirmed through co-hosting rights and Super Eights qualification, three more nations have secured automatic berths via the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.

Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Ireland are set to occupy those final automatic spots, pending official confirmation on March 9 — the day after the 2026 final. With no international fixtures scheduled that could alter the rankings before the cut-off date, their qualification is virtually sealed.

In its official statement, the ICC clarified that the final three automatic places would go to the highest-ranked teams outside those already qualified, based on the rankings as of March 9.

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Road still open for eight more teams

While 12 teams have already secured their places, the T20 World Cup 2028 will feature additional sides determined through regional and global qualifiers over the next two years.

This pathway ensures emerging cricketing nations still have a golden opportunity to break into the elite competition. The qualifiers are expected to be fiercely competitive, as Associate teams and rising cricketing countries aim to make their mark on the world stage.

List of 12 teams qualified for T20 World Cup 2028

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