South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe will join forces to host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, bringing cricket’s biggest international tournament to the region from 2 October to 21 November 2027.

With 57 matches planned across the three countries, the tournament will bring international cricket fans to southern Africa.

South Africa will host 41 matches, including both semifinals and the final, giving the country a chance to benefit from increased tourism, hospitality and visitor spending.

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are preparing to welcome cricket fans from around the world as they get ready to co-host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Running from 2 October 2027 to 21 November 2027, the tournament will feature 14 teams, 57 matches and 12 venues across the three countries. From major international clashes to the final in Johannesburg, here’s what you need to know about the tournament.

When Does the Tournament Start?
The tournament kicks off in Windhoek, Namibia, on 2 October 2027, with the first of three Super Series matches. These games, scheduled for 2, 4 and 6 October 2027, will determine which team claims the final place in the Group Stage.

The main competition begins in Cape Town on 7 October 2027, when defending champions Australia face India in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final.

South Africa open their campaign against New Zealand on 9 October 2027 in Cape Town, while Zimbabwe face Qualifier A in Bulawayo on the same day. India and Pakistan meet in Johannesburg on 10 October 2027.

Which Countries and Cities Will Host Matches?
South Africa will host matches across eight cities: Cape Town, Paarl, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Bloemfontein, Durban, KuGompo City and Gqeberha.

Zimbabwe’s venues include Harare, Bulawayo and the new Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium in Victoria Falls. Namibia will host games at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.

Where Will the Semi-Finals and Final Take Place?
The first semi-final is scheduled for Cape Town on 17 November 2027, followed by the second in Tshwane on 18 November 2027.

The final will take place at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium on 21 November 2027, with 22 November 2027 set aside as a reserve day if needed.

How Much Will Tickets Cost?
Ticket prices start at approximately R158 for entry-level seats, with the highest-priced tickets costing around R514. Special options are also planned for families, students, pensioners, schools and community cricket clubs.

How Can You Get Tickets?
The ICC has opened its ticket ballot, allowing fans to register for a chance to purchase tickets. However, registering does not guarantee a ticket.

Visit the official ICC Cricket World Cup website⁠ for ticket registration and updates.

Which Teams Will Compete?
Fourteen teams will take part. South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as hosts, alongside the eight highest-ranked teams on the ICC Men’s ODI rankings at the 30 September 2026 cut-off. The remaining four places will be decided through the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

The 12 Group Stage teams will be split into two groups of six. The top three from each group, plus the best-performing fourth-placed team, will advance to the Super 7 phase, where every team plays six more matches without carrying over Group Stage points. The four strongest teams will then progress to the semi-finals.

Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.