Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule confirmed, Bangladesh face Netherlands in opener

Bangladesh will face Netherlands in the opening fixture of the Women’s World Cup 2026 as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the schedule of the tournament, to be played in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.

The 12 participating teams were finalised last month, following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal.

Among the key clashes in the tournament will be between England versus Scotland at Hadingley on June 20 in what will be the first meeting of the two countries at either men’s or women’s World Cup on English soil.

Ireland will kickstart their campaign in an all-Celtic clash at Manchester’s Old Trafford on June 13. Bangladesh will start their campaign against tournament debutants Netherlands at Edgbaston on June 14.

The qualifying teams will join England, Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

ICC CEO, Sanjog Gupta said: 

“The release of the schedule for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is an important milestone in the run-up to the global, premier sporting event. This event is in continuation of the ICC's sustained investment in women's Cricket - across expanded participation and high-performance pathways, event and production standards, tournament prize money, widened media distribution and commercial partnerships - towards the goal of commanding higher levels of attention, affiliation and stature with fans worldwide.

“The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India served as a force multiplier for the sport - breaking records, capturing imaginations and inspiring communities - and our ambition is to carry the momentum into the event in June-July. The tournament also follows closely on the heels of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, reinforcing the ICC's commitment to creating year-round global moments for the world's second most popular sport.

“Venues across England and Wales will serve as a wonderful stage for high-quality competitive Cricket, unforgettable memories and unifying cultural experiences that define global events.

“We are confident that the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 will be the next defining chapter in the accelerated growth of women's cricket worldwide.”

Scotland’s captain, Kathryn Bryce, added:

“It’s going to be absolutely incredible playing at a World Cup in England and Wales. It’s probably the closest we will get to playing at home, so it’s going to be super exciting to be so close to home and give people from Scotland the chance to travel and watch and support the national team on this sort of stage.

“For the young boys and girls in Scotland who’ve been watching cricket or picked it up during the last few years, for it to now be possible for them to come and see players from their country playing in a World Cup nearby is pretty special.

“The way this World Cup has been marketed so far is great, and there’s going to be a massive push on the outreach and engagement which I think is fantastic for women’s cricket across the country, so it’s really exciting to look ahead and think about the history that is going to be made this summer.”

Ireland captain, Gaby Lewis, said:

"The last few months have been huge for us, with everything building towards securing our place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales this year. To be back on the world stage, and so close to home, really is a dream come true. This will be a landmark moment for women’s cricket in Ireland.

"We can’t wait to see friends, family and supporters making the trip over. We want to make them proud – and hopefully inspire young players back home to believe that they can reach a World Cup themselves one day."

Bangladesh captain, Nigar Sultana Joty, said: 

“We’re really happy to have qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. I’m incredibly proud of the way the team performed, dominating in every game.

“We have never played in England before so we’re excited but know it’s going to be a big challenge. We can’t wait for the big event and we’re going prepare ourselves with everything we have, play our best cricket and win games for our country.”

Netherlands captain, Babbette De Leede commented:

"Qualifying for our first‑ever ICC Women's T20 World Cup fills us with an incredible sense of pride and excitement. It feels extra special because, in many ways, it’s almost a ‘home’ World Cup for us. We’re hoping to see a sea of orange in the stands with our families, friends, fans and everyone who has supported Dutch women’s cricket over the years.

“Stepping onto that stage for the very first time will be a milestone for the women's cricket in the Netherlands, and we hope it inspires young Dutch players to dream big and believe that they, too, can one day represent a successful national team."

Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Grouping

Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands

Group 2: West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland

Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule