Starting October 4, 2027, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup runs through November 21, per ESPNcricinfo. Southern Africa takes center stage when South Africa, Zimbabwe, plus Namibia share hosting duties. Fifty-four games are scheduled, spread out across various locations. The event marks a rare tri-nation arrangement in the region.

Even though everyone knew the event would happen between October and November, the precise days remained unclear until today. Approval supposedly came at the ICC Board gathering in May, yet official confirmation will likely come later, when members meet in Edinburgh this July.

South Africa set to host the majority of matches for ICC World Cup 2027

Most of the games will probably happen in South Africa, using eight locations for 41 out of 54 matches. Cities in line to welcome teams are Centurion, then Johannesburg, followed by Bloemfontein, Durban comes next, after that East London, Gqeberha shows up, Paarl joins later, ending with Cape Town.

Eight to ten games could be played in Zimbabwe, spread among Harare, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls.

Over in Namibia, around three fixtures may take place during the event.

Back on African soil in 2027, cricket’s biggest tournament returns there for the first time since 2003. That year saw Australia beat India under the lights in Johannesburg. Following that moment, South Africa stayed busy hosting big matches. The country welcomed the world for the first-ever men’s T20 World Cup by staging it in 2007. Later came the Champions Trophy, held a few years later. Most recently, fans filled stadiums again during the women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.

Back in 2027, the tournament shifts again – this time bringing back fourteen teams.

Before that, just ten showed up in both 2019 and 2023. Now, with more sides joining, they’ll divide into two sets of seven. Though shorter before, it grows now without warning.

One step ahead, the leading trio from every group moves into the Super Six Phase, bringing along points collected during matches with others who made it. Following that, whoever finishes among the top four continues onwards – this time heading into the semi-finals.

Some teams can still qualify for the ICC World Cup 2027

South Africa and Zimbabwe are already in, thanks to hosting rights.

Yet Namibia, even though sharing host duties, faces uncertainty. Being only an ICC Associate Member means it cannot skip the usual route. Entry hinges on performance, not status, so the path remains open but challenging.

Spots still open in the tournament, as four squads look set to book their place via different ICC qualifiers before the World Cup kicks off.

Spots still open in the tournament, as four squads look set to book their place via different ICC qualifiers before the World Cup kicks off.