ICC Confirms Nepal as Host of 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Nepal will host the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff from December 4 to 21, 2026.

Eight teams will compete in the round-robin tournament, with the top four earning the remaining places in the 10-team Global Qualifier for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

According to the ICC's official announcement on Friday, November 6, the tournament will be staged across two venues: the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.

Hosts Nepal will face Italy at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in the opening match on December 4, while Namibia take on Uganda simultaneously at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.

The eight participating teams are Nepal, Italy, Namibia, Uganda, Canada, Kuwait, Jersey and the United Arab Emirates.

Six teams have already secured their places in the Global Qualifier. The West Indies and Ireland have qualified, while the USA, Scotland, the Netherlands and Oman earned direct qualification after finishing in the top four of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2.

The Qualifier Playoff will determine the final four teams to complete the 10-team Global Qualifier, keeping their hopes of reaching the 2027 Cricket World Cup alive.