The United Arab Emirates (UAE) return to the Men’s T20 World Cup after four years. This will be their third appearance in the global event.
So, here’s all you need to know about the UAE’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule.
But before that…
How did the UAE qualify for the 2026 edition?
The UAE had to earn their spot through the Asia sub-regional and regional qualifiers.
They first played the seven-team Asia sub-regional qualifier B in November 2024. They topped the qualifier with six wins and advanced to the regional final.
A year later, the UAE extended their winning run in the Asia-EAP regional final. They topped Group A, advancing to the Super Six.
In the Super Six, though, the UAE lost the first two games. But they bounced back just in time to seal the third spot in the Super Six and eventually qualify for the main event.
When does the UAE play their first match?
The UAE will play their match on February 10, 2026. They will face New Zealand in their first Group D match in Chennai.
Where will the UAE play their matches?
After their first game in Chennai, the Emiratis will move their base to Delhi. They will play three group-stage fixtures in Delhi.
Here are the venues for the UAE’s matches:
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
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 the UAE’s full T20 World Cup 2026 schedule?
After the New Zealand clash, the UAE will take on Canada on February 13. Their third fixture is against Afghanistan on February 16. And their last match is against South Africa on February 18.
UAE’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule (Group Stage):
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 10, 2026 | UAE vs New Zealand | Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| February 13, 2026 | UAE vs Canada | Delhi | 3:00 PM |
| February 16, 2026 | UAE vs Afghanistan | Delhi | 11:00 AM |
| February 18, 2026 | UAE vs South Africa | Delhi | 11:00 AM |
Team-wise T20 WC 2026 Schedule
Team India Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team Australia Schedule: Venues, Squad
Team England Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team South Africa Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
Team New Zealand 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 Canada 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
Team Oman Schedule: Dates, Venues, Squad
What are the UAE’s key fixtures?
The UAE look strong contender against Canada. In their only contest in 2019, the UAE beat the North American team.
The Emiratis also have a chance against Afghanistan. These two teams have faced each other a lot in recent years. So, the UAE perhaps know how to beat the Afghans.
What could be the UAE’s Super Eight matches if they qualify?
The UAE qualifying for the Super Eight looks like a far-fetched dream. But if they manage to break through a tough Group D, here’s how their fixtures could look. The assumption is based on pre-assigned seedings.
If the UAE 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 (UAE) | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| February 26, 2026 | X3 (West Indies) vs X4 (UAE) | Ahmedabad | 3:00 PM |
| March 1, 2026 | X2 (Australia) vs X4 (UAE) | Delhi | 3:00 PM |
If the UAE 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 (UAE) vs Y3 (Pakistan) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
| February 25, 2026 | Y2 (UAE) vs Y4 (Sri Lanka) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
| February 27, 2026 | Y1 (England) vs Y2 (UAE) | Colombo (RPS) | 7:00 PM |
In case neither New Zealand nor the West Indies finish in the top two:
- The UAE will be seeded Y2 if they finish at No. 1
- The UAE will be seeded X3 if they finish at No. 2
How does the UAE’s squad stack up?
Muhammad Waseem is set to lead the UAE for the first time in the tournament. A lot will rest on his shoulders as he provides them with quick starts with the bat.
Aryansh Sharma will pair up with Waseem to open for the UAE. Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, and Mayank Kumar pack the middle order.
Harshit Kaushik and Dhruv Parashar will play a crucial role as spin-bowling all-rounders. Haider Ali and Simranjeet Singh further strengthen their spin attack.
Experienced Junaid Siddique, meanwhile, spearheads their pace attack, which also includes Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Rohid, and Muhammad Irfan.
UAE’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026:
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.
Read Next | List of Upcoming ICC Tournaments from 2026 to 2031
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