Afghanistan are ready to deliver yet another impressive campaign in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Last time, they reached the semi-final. But this time, they would like to storm into the final and lift the trophy.
That said, here’s a look at Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule.
But before that…
How did the Afghans fare in 2024?
The Afghans had a dream run in the 2024 edition. They lost only one game out of the four to secure a spot in the Super Eight round.
Their Super Eight round started with a loss against India. But they bounced back quickly, handed Australia a shocking defeat, and beat Bangladesh to advance to their first-ever semi-final.
Unfortunately, the Afghans couldn’t play at their best and lost to South Africa in the semi-final.
How did Afghanistan qualify for this 2026?
Since Afghanistan made it to the Super Eight stage in 2024, they secured a direct spot in this edition.
So, when does Afghanistan play their first match?
The Afghans will start their campaign on February 8, 2026. They will face New Zealand in their first Group D clash in Chennai.
Where will Afghanistan play their matches?
They will play two group-stage fixtures in Chennai. Apart from Chennai, they have one game each scheduled in Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Here are the venues for Afghanistan’s matches:
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Know All About T20WC 2026 Here
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule & Other Details
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
Explained: 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Qualification Pathway
What’s Afghanistan’s full T20 World Cup 2026 schedule?
After the first game in Chennai, the Afghan Atalans will travel to Ahmedabad to take on South Africa on February 11.
The Afghans will then move to Delhi for their third match against the UAE on February 16. They will be back in Chennai for their last game against Canada on February 19.
Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule (Group Stage):
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2026 | Afghanistan vs New Zealand | Chennai | 11:00 AM |
| February 11, 2026 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Ahmedabad | 11:00 AM |
| February 16, 2026 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Delhi | 11:00 AM |
| February 19, 2026 | Afghanistan vs Canada | Chennai | 7:00 PM |
Team-wise T20 WC 2026 Schedule
Team India Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Australia Schedule: Venues, Squad
Team England Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Pakistan Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team West Indies Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Afghanistan Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team USA Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Nepal Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Namibia Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Netherlands Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Scotland Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Ireland Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Italy Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
What are Afghanistan’s key matches?
Afghanistan’s first two games will be crucial. Those two games could perhaps play a major role in their Super Eight qualification.
But the Afghans have a slight advantage in their game against New Zealand. The last time these two sides played each other in 2024, Afghanistan beat the Kiwis comfortably. And with this clash set in Chennai, the Afghans will test the Kiwis with their strong spin attack.
Afghanistan can also challenge South Africa, even though they couldn’t do much in the 2024 semi-final. Rashid Khan’s experience of playing in Ahmedabad could be decisive for Afghanistan.
What could be Afghanistan’s Super Eight fixtures if they qualify?
If Afghanistan make it to the Super Eights again, here’s how their fixtures could pan out based on pre-assigned seedings.
If Afghanistan finish in the top two in Group D, along with New Zealand, then they will be seeded X4:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 22, 2026 | X1 (India) vs X4 (Afghanistan) | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| February 26, 2026 | X3 (West Indies) vs X4 (Afghanistan) | Ahmedabad | 3:00 PM |
| March 1, 2026 | X2 (Australia) vs X4 (Afghanistan) | Delhi | 3:00 PM |
If Afghanistan finish in the top two in Group D, along with the West Indies, then they will be seeded Y2:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 21, 2026 | Y2 (Afghanistan) vs Y3 (Pakistan) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
| February 25, 2026 | Y2 (Afghanistan) vs Y4 (Sri Lanka) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
| February 27, 2026 | Y1 (England) vs Y2 (Afghanistan) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
In case neither New Zealand nor the West Indies finish in the top two:
- Afghanistan will be seeded Y2 if they finish at No. 1
- Namibia will be seeded X3 if they finish at No. 2
How does Afghanistan’s squad stack up?
Rashid Khan is set to lead the Afghan Atalans once again. Ibrahim Zadran will be his deputy.
Zadran will also open alongside wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli will follow in the middle order.
Veteran Mohammad Nabi will carry all-round duties alongside Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib. Fazalhaq Farooqi will lead a slightly inexperienced pace attack, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad will form a spin trio along with captain Rashid.
Afghanistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran. Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
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