Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA has officially welcomed the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, marking the country’s first time hosting a Cricket World Cup and a major milestone in its sporting history. The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February. A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches, with the tournament culminating in the final at Harare Sports Club on 6 February.
In the official welcome ceremony, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet L. Steenkamp, described the tournament as a defining moment that places Namibia firmly on the global sporting stage. She said hosting the event reflects the country’s growing capacity to stage world-class competitions and its commitment to youth development through sport.
Steenkamp said the tournament goes beyond cricket results, highlighting its role in promoting unity, international cooperation and opportunities for young athletes. She welcomed participating nations Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Afghanistan, the West Indies, Tanzania, South Africa and Japan, assuring teams of Namibia’s hospitality and promising a memorable experience on and off the field.
She further added that under the leadership of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, sport has been elevated to one of the country’s top national priorities, recognising its importance in social cohesion, youth empowerment and economic growth. Investment in sports infrastructure, including the Namibia Cricket Ground, was cited as evidence of the country’s readiness to host major international events.
Although Namibia is not competing in the tournament, Steenkamp said hosting the World Cup sends a powerful message to young Namibians that global sporting stages are within reach. She added that the event is expected to boost tourism, create economic opportunities and strengthen Namibia’s reputation as a reliable host nation.
The minister also linked the tournament to Namibia’s broader sporting ambitions, including the country’s upcoming role as a co-host of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup will take place at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Cricket Street, Olympia, Windhoek, from 15 to 26 January 2026, with matches starting daily at 09:30. Entry to the matches is free.
Tournament schedule:
15 January, USA v India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
15 January, Zimbabwe v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
15 January, Tanzania v West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek
16 January, Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
16 January, Australia v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
17 January, India v Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
17 January, Japan v Sri Lanka, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
18 January, New Zealand v USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
18 January, England v Zimbabwe, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
18 January, West Indies v Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek
19 January, Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
19 January, Sri Lanka v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
20 January, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
20 January, Australia v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
21 January, England v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
21 January, Afghanistan v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
22 January, Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
22 January, Ireland v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
23 January, Bangladesh v USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
23 January, Sri Lanka v Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
24 January, India v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
24 January, A4 v D4, HP Oval, Windhoek
25 January, Super Six A1 v D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
25 January, Super Six D2 v A3, HP Oval, Windhoek
26 January, B4 v C4, Harare Sports Club, Harare
26 January, Super Six C1 v B2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
26 January, Super Six D1 v A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
27 January, Super Six C2 v B3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
27 January, Super Six C3 v B1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
28 January, Super Six, A1 v D2, Harare Sports Club, Harare
29 January, Super Six D3 v A2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
30 January, Super Six D1 v A3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
30 January, Super Six B3 v C1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
31 January, Super Six B2 v C3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
01 February, Super Six B1 v C2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
03 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
04 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
06 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
Source: International Cricket Council (ICC)
