South Africa and Zimbabwe secure 2027 World Cup host places

South Africa and Zimbabwe have secured host places in the 2027 men’s ODI World Cup, while eight more teams are expected to qualify directly through the rankings at the September 30, 2026 cutoff, according to the qualification framework reported ahead of the tournament. West Indies and Ireland are expected to enter the qualifying competition rather than gain direct places. The 14-team event is set to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, although Namibia does not receive an automatic place as a host. The eight teams currently listed for ranking-based entry are India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Their places depend on the ODI rankings at the cutoff, so the list remains prospective until the rankings are applied. Together with co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, those eight would make up the 10 direct qualifiers. The International Cricket Council and Cricket South Africa are expected to announce the tournament schedule at an event in Cape Town on October 1.