Venues Confirmed for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially designated three venues for hosting warm-up matches preceding the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England and Wales.

Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, the County Ground in Derby, and Loughborough University have been chosen to stage the preparatory games leading up to the highly anticipated tournament, set to commence in Birmingham on June 12, 2026.

While the detailed schedule for the warm-up matches is still pending announcement, these locations—recognized for their significant contributions to the advancement of women’s cricket—will accommodate several teams as they gear up for the global competition.

These venues boast a notable history of championing women’s cricket and are poised to play essential roles in advance of the T20 World Cup’s 10th edition.

Of the dozen teams participating, eight have already secured their places. The remaining four will be determined through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to take place early next year.

The expanded tournament will feature 12 teams vying for the title across 33 matches over a 24-day period, with games taking place at seven distinguished venues throughout England and Wales.

Every participating nation will aim to replicate the achievement of New Zealand, who clinched their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title in Dubai the previous year.

Last month, the ICC revealed the fixtures and team groupings for the tournament. Hosts England are set to face Sri Lanka in the inaugural match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 12, with the final to be contested at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.

Group 1 comprises six teams: current champions Australia, 2024 runners-up South Africa, Asian rivals India and Pakistan, along with two teams advancing from the Global Qualifier.

Group 2 includes hosts England, reigning champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, former champions West Indies, and two additional teams from the qualifying round.

The tournament will unfold across seven top-tier venues: Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground, and Lord’s.