Italy, Netherlands Secure Spots ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Italy has made history by qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time, securing their spot in the 2026 tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Despite a nine-wicket defeat to the Netherlands in their final qualifying match, Italy edged out Jersey on net run rate after both teams finished level on points. The Italian team managed to stretch the Netherlands chase to the 17th over, which was crucial for their qualification hopes. Jersey’s win over Scotland was not enough to surpass Italy’s superior net run rate. The Netherlands also qualified for the tournament, finishing at the top of the European qualifiers. Italy becomes the fifth European team, and only the second non-British European nation, to reach the T20 World Cup, marking a landmark achievement in Italian cricket.