ICC confirms 14‑team format for 2027 Cricket World Cup with early knockout round

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the structure for the 2027 men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament will officially feature 14 teams, but the competition will be trimmed to 12 teams before the main phase begins.

Under the new format, the three lowest‑ranked qualifiers will compete in a “Super Series” round‑robin. Only one of those three teams will secure a place in the main event, where the remaining 12 teams will contest the traditional round‑robin league that has produced the semi‑finalists in previous editions. This arrangement marks a departure from the 10‑team format used in the last two World Cups.

The ICC’s decision aims to broaden participation while maintaining a competitive balance. Teams that advance from the Super Series will face the top 12 qualifiers in the main tournament, setting the stage for a high‑stakes competition that will culminate in the semi‑finals and final.