ICC ODI World Cup 2027: 10 teams booked their spots

The 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will see 14 nations in action – an increase from the last two editions – with 10 teams now having direct entry into the competition.

Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe have already qualified by virtue of hosting the event. The remaining eight direct qualification places will be taken by the top eight sides in the ICC ODI rankings as of 30 September.

Afghanistan are very certain to be in the top eight after a stunning victory in Belfast over Ireland.

The sides likely to be awarded direct qualification are defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Afghanistan as well as hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The West Indies face a tough road to the World Cup with a current 10th place ranking. They have two ODIs left against India before the September 30 deadline but even winning both matches will not be enough to get them into the top eight.

Consequently, the West Indies will be required to play in the World Cup Qualifier to be held in February 2027 to earn qualification for the tournament.

“The Associate nations will have to pass a number of stages on the qualification path. The 12 teams in the Challenge League will be split into two groups with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Qualifier Play-off.

The top four sides from the eight-team Cricket World Cup League 2, meanwhile, will progress directly to the World Cup Qualifier.

The last four World Cup places will be determined in a 10-team Qualifier from 22 February to 23 March 2027.