<p>The lineup for next year's <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/events/twenty20-world-cup">T20 World Cup</a> is locked in, with 20 teams confirmed for the tournament that will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.</p> <p>Nepal, Oman, and the UAE secured the final three spots through the Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, completing the field that features reigning champions India alongside multiple former winners and a first-time participant.</p> <h2>Italy Makes History</h2> <p>The biggest story in the qualification process is Italy's inclusion. They'll make their T20 World Cup debut after progressing through the European Qualifier alongside the Netherlands.</p> <p>It's an incredible milestone for Italian cricket and, at the same time, something that expands the tournament's geographic reach even further. They qualified as Europe's representative and now get their shot against the world's best.</p> <h2>The Heavyweights</h2> <p>India enters as defending champions after beating South Africa by seven runs in the 2024 final. They're one of three nations to have won multiple T20 World Cups, alongside England and the West Indies.</p> <p>As tournament hosts, both India and Sri Lanka received automatic qualification. Seven other teams qualified by finishing in the top seven at the 2024 tournament: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, and the West Indies.</p> <p>Three more spots went to teams based on ICC Men's T20 Team Rankings: Ireland, New Zealand, and Pakistan.</p> <h2>Regional Qualifiers Filled the Rest</h2> <p>Canada came through the Americas Qualifier to secure their spot, while Namibia and Zimbabwe qualified via the Africa Qualifier.</p> <p>The Asia and East Asia-Pacific region produced three qualifiers: Nepal, Oman, and the UAE. For Nepal, this marks their second consecutive appearance and third overall. Oman will feature for a fourth time, while the UAE returns for the first time since 2022.</p> <h2>Tournament Format Stays the Same</h2> <p>The 2026 event will use the same structure as 2024. Twenty teams split into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eights phase.</p> <p>The Super Eights features two groups of four teams each. The top two finishers from each Super Eight group then progress to the knockout semi-finals.</p> <p>It's a format that worked well in 2024 and gives every team a genuine chance to build momentum through the group stages before the tournament intensifies.</p> <h2>Full List of Qualified Teams</h2> <p><strong>Hosts:</strong></p> <ul> <li>India</li> <li>Sri Lanka</li> </ul> <p><strong>Top 7 finish from T20WC 2024:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Afghanistan</li> <li>Australia</li> <li>Bangladesh</li> <li>England</li> <li>South Africa</li> <li>USA</li> <li>West Indies</li> </ul> <p><strong>ICC Men's T20 Team Rankings:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ireland</li> <li>New Zealand</li> <li>Pakistan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Regional Qualifiers:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Canada (Americas)</li> <li>Italy (Europe)</li> <li>Netherlands (Europe)</li> <li>Namibia (Africa)</li> <li>Zimbabwe (Africa)</li> <li>Nepal (Asia/EAP)</li> <li>Oman (Asia/EAP)</li> <li>UAE (Asia/EAP)</li> </ul> <p>The tournament takes place in early 2026 across venues in India and Sri Lanka, with the exact schedule and draw still to be confirmed. Twenty teams, one trophy, and Italy getting their first crack at cricket's shortest format on the biggest stage.</p>