Muhammad Amanullah | August 11, 2026
The picture of the 10 teams expected to qualify directly for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 is becoming increasingly clear, with the tournament set to feature more teams than the previous two editions.
The 2027 World Cup will be played with 14 teams for the first time in the tournament’s recent format. South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their places as the host nations, while the remaining eight direct qualification spots will be determined based on the ICC ODI rankings as of September 30.
Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe Already Qualified
South Africa and Zimbabwe have automatically secured their places in the 2027 World Cup because they are hosting the tournament.
The remaining eight teams will qualify directly based on their position in the ICC ODI rankings at the September 30 cutoff date.
Based on the current situation, defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are among the teams that have virtually secured direct qualification.
Afghanistan strengthened its position with an important victory over Ireland in Belfast, further improving its chances of securing a direct World Cup berth.
West Indies Face Major Setback
Two-time world champions West Indies have suffered a major setback and are set to miss out on direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
The Caribbean side is currently ranked 10th and has two ODI matches against India remaining before the September 30 cutoff.
However, even victories in both matches would not be enough to move West Indies back into the top eight, meaning the former champions will have to go through the qualification tournament to earn a place at the World Cup.
The development is significant for West Indies, a team with a rich history in international cricket. The Caribbean side won the first two men’s World Cups but has struggled for consistency in the ODI format in recent years.
Which Teams Are Set for Direct Qualification?
The 10 teams currently expected to secure direct places are:
- South Africa — Host nation
- Zimbabwe — Host nation
- Australia
- India
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- England
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
The final ranking-based positions will be confirmed after the September 30 cutoff.
Qualification Route Offers Hope to Associate Teams
The remaining four World Cup places will be decided through the qualification pathway, giving Associate and other emerging cricket nations an opportunity to reach the global tournament.
The 12 teams involved in the Challenge League pathway will be divided into two groups. The best-performing teams will advance to the next stage of qualification.
This system is designed to provide teams outside the established cricketing nations with a route to compete for a place at the world’s biggest ODI tournament.
Cricket World Cup League 2 Also Important
Another key stage of the qualification process involves the eight teams competing in Cricket World Cup League 2.
The top four teams from League 2 will earn places in the World Cup Qualifier, where they will compete against other teams fighting for the final four World Cup spots.
The qualification pathway therefore provides several opportunities for teams to progress through the different stages and ultimately reach the final tournament.
Final Four Teams to Be Decided Through Qualifier
The final four World Cup places will be decided through a 10-team qualifying tournament scheduled to take place from February 22 to March 23, 2027.
With only four places available, the qualifier is expected to produce intense competition among the participating teams.
For former champions such as West Indies, the tournament could become particularly important as they attempt to secure their place in the 2027 World Cup and regain their position among the world’s leading ODI sides.
World Cup 2027 Taking Shape
With the hosts already confirmed and eight other teams appearing increasingly likely to secure direct qualification, most of the 2027 World Cup field is beginning to take shape.
The September 30 ranking deadline will determine the final direct qualifiers, while the remaining four teams will have to fight through the qualification tournament in 2027.
For Associate nations and teams such as West Indies that miss out on direct qualification, the upcoming qualification pathway will provide a final opportunity to join the 14-team World Cup.
