Bangladesh will open their 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Netherlands in a crucial Group 1 fixture, while hosts England are set for a high-profile clash against Scotland at Headingley during the group stage.
The tournament, which runs from June 12 to July 5 across England and Wales, will begin with England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. Bangladesh’s first outing comes two days later, on June 14, when they meet Netherlands at the same venue. Netherlands secured their maiden appearance at a women’s T20 World Cup through the global qualifier and will be eager to make an immediate impression on the big stage.
Group 1 shapes up as one of the toughest pools, featuring Australia, India, Pakistan and South Africa alongside Bangladesh and Netherlands. Bangladesh will also face Australia at Headingley on June 17 and India at Old Trafford on June 25 in what promise to be stern tests.
Group 2 includes England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland. One of the early highlights will be England’s meeting with Scotland at Headingley on June 20 — the first time the two sides have faced each other at a World Cup on English soil. Ireland and Scotland will also contest an all-Celtic encounter at Old Trafford on June 13.
Defending champions New Zealand begin their title defence against West Indies in Southampton, while Australia take on South Africa in Manchester in a rematch of the 2024 final.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on June 30 and July 2, with the final scheduled for July 5 at Lord’s, where the tournament will culminate in the crowning of the 2026 champions.