The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed 12 venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia to host the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup. This announcement marks the tournament’s return to Africa for the first time since 2003.
The event will feature the top 14 cricket teams worldwide, competing in a new format across 57 matches. The tournament begins with the three lowest-ranked teams battling for the final spot in the main competition, which then divides into two groups of six teams.
Host Venues
- South Africa (8 stadiums): Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), Centurion (Tshwane), Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town), Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban), St George’s Park (Gqeberha), Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein), Boland Park (Paarl), Buffalo Park (KuGompo City)
- Zimbabwe (3 stadiums): Harare Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo), Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium (Victoria Falls)
- Namibia (1 stadium): Namibia Cricket Ground (Windhoek)
Namibia will host a senior ICC tournament for the first time, a milestone for the country’s cricket development.
Tournament Format
Following the initial qualifier round, the 12 teams will be split into two groups of six. Each team will play all group members, with the top three teams from each group plus the best fourth-placed team advancing to the next stage. These seven teams will then face off once, with the top four progressing to the semifinals, culminating in the final to decide the champion.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta highlighted the significance of the event’s return to Africa, celebrating the continent’s vibrant cultures and passion for sport. ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed confidence in the host nations’ ability to deliver a memorable tournament that showcases southern Africa’s unique diversity.
