Cricket fans, get ready! The road to the ODI World Cup 2027 is going to be more thrilling, unpredictable, and competitive than ever. From power-packed showdowns to underdog surprises, the new ODI World Cup 2027 qualification scenario is changing the game for good. But the big question is—how will teams qualify for the 14-team extravaganza? Let’s break it down, step by step, in a style that’s informative, exciting, and made for fans like you.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Cricket’s biggest carnival, the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, returns in 2027, and this time, things are different—very different.
- 14 teams instead of 10✅
- 3 host nations: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia ✅
- A more inclusive qualification format ✅
- And more opportunities for underdog teams like Nepal, USA, and Scotland to shine 🌍
With these changes, understanding the ODI World Cup 2027 qualification scenario has become super important—for fans, players, and cricket boards alike.
| Detail | Info |
| Tournament | ICC ODI World Cup 2027 |
| Format | 50-overs (ODI) |
| Hosts | South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia |
| Number of Teams | 14 |
| Expected Dates | October – November 2027 |
| Organized By | International Cricket Council (ICC) |
How Many Teams Will Participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
The ODI World Cup 2027 will feature 14 teams, marking a return to a broader and more inclusive format after the 10-team tournaments in 2019 and 2023. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for emerging cricketing nations to showcase their talents on the world stage.
The 2027 World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Notably, this will be the first time Namibia hosts World Cup matches, highlighting the ICC’s commitment to expanding the game’s reach .
Total Teams and Qualification Spots
The ODI World Cup 2027 will feature 14 teams, making it one of the most inclusive editions in recent history. While South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as Full Member hosts, Namibia must earn their spot through the qualification process. The top 8 teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027, will gain direct entry, with the remaining 4 spots up for grabs in the high-stakes ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Here’s a complete breakdown of how teams can qualify for this global cricketing showdown.
2 Automatic Host Qualifications
- South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as Full Member co-hosts.
- Namibia, although a co-host, is an Associate Member and must qualify through the standard qualification pathway.
8 Teams via ICC ODI Rankings
The top 8 teams in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings as of March 31, 2027, will secure direct entry into the tournament.
4 Teams through the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier
The remaining 4 spots will be decided through the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, a tournament featuring
- The bottom 2 ranked Full Member teams (excluding hosts).
- Top 4 teams from the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2.
- Top 4 teams from the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off.
Automatic Qualification for Hosts
In the ODI World Cup 2027, only Full Member co-hosts receive automatic qualification. South Africa and Zimbabwe are confirmed participants, while Namibia, despite being a co-host, must earn their place through the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 or Qualifier Playoff due to their Associate Member status.
✅ South Africa – Automatically Qualified
As a Full Member nation and one of the co-hosts, South Africa gets a direct entry into the tournament.
✅ Zimbabwe – Automatically Qualified
Zimbabwe, also a Full Member and co-host, will play in the tournament without going through the qualification process.
❌ Namibia – Not Automatically Qualified
Despite being a co-host, Namibia is an Associate Member and therefore must qualify through the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 or Qualifier Playoff.
Direct Qualification via the ODI Super League
The ODI World Cup 2027 qualification scenario heavily relies on the ICC ODI Super League, where 13 top teams battle it out across 24 ODIs. The top 8 teams in the standings—excluding already-qualified hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe—will earn direct entry into the tournament. This makes every match in the Super League crucial for teams eyeing a spot in the 2027 World Cup.
What is the ODI Super League?
- The ICC ODI Super League was introduced as a qualification path to ensure competitive matches and global representation.
- It features 13 teams (12 full members + Netherlands).
- Each team plays 24 ODIs over a three-year period (home and away).
- Top 8 teams (excluding hosts) qualify directly for the World Cup.
📌 Since South Africa and Zimbabwe are already in as hosts, the next 8 highest-ranked teams in the league will qualify directly.
ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings 2025
| Position | Team | Matches | Pts | Rating |
| 01 | India | 53 | 6486 | 122 |
| 02 | Australia | 46 | 5039 | 110 |
| 03 | New Zealand | 49 | 5304 | 108 |
| 04 | Pakistan | 43 | 4414 | 103 |
| 05 | South Africa | 44 | 4421 | 100 |
| 06 | Sri Lanka | 60 | 5954 | 99 |
| 07 | England | 42 | 3715 | 88 |
| 08 | Afghanistan | 41 | 3556 | 87 |
| 09 | Bangladesh | 48 | 3854 | 80 |
| 10 | West Indies | 41 | 3185 | 78 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 32 | 1680 | 53 |
| 12 | Scotland | 31 | 1586 | 51 |
| 13 | Ireland | 28 | 1414 | 51 |
| 14 | Netherlands | 44 | 1907 | 43 |
| 15 | USA | 36 | 1205 | 33 |
| 16 | Canada | 19 | 604 | 32 |
| 17 | Oman | 35 | 1040 | 30 |
| 18 | Nepal | 41 | 1077 | 26 |
| 19 | Namibia | 36 | 802 | 22 |
| 20 | UAE | 38 | 393 | 10 |
Qualification Through the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier
For teams that miss out on direct qualification, the ODI World Cup 2027 qualification scenario offers a second chance through the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier. This intense tournament will feature 10 teams, including lower-ranked Super League sides, top Associate nations from League 2, and Qualifier Playoff winners. With only four spots available, it’s a high-pressure path to cricket’s biggest stage.
The remaining 4 spots will be decided through the ICC CWC Qualifier 2026–2027
- Bottom 5 teams from the ODI Super League
- Top teams from ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (featuring Associates)
- Qualifier Playoff teams
🏏 Format of the Qualifier:
- 10 teams total
- Group stage + Super Six format
- Top 4 teams qualify for the World Cup
Expected Participants:
- Sri Lanka
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Scotland
- Nepal
- UAE
- USA
- Namibia
- Oman
- PNG
💡 Analysis: Sri Lanka and Ireland have a good chance if they miss direct qualification. Namibia, as co-host, will be highly motivated to qualify too.
Namibia’s Road to Qualification
Namibia, despite being one of the co-hosts of the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe, does not receive automatic qualification for the tournament. This is because Namibia is currently an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), while only Full Member co-hosts receive direct entries.
That means Namibia will need to earn their spot through the competitive ICC qualification structure.
Namibia qualification scenario
(1) ICC Cricket World Cup League 2
Namibia is currently a part of ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, which serves as a stepping stone for Associate nations to reach the global qualifier.
- League 2 consists of 7 teams: Namibia, Nepal, USA, Scotland, UAE, Oman, and Papua New Guinea.
- Each team plays a round-robin series with home and away fixtures.
- The top 4 teams at the end of League 2 advance to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
Namibia has shown strong performances in recent cycles and has the home advantage of African conditions, which will be crucial.
(2) ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier (2026–27)
If Namibia finishes among the top League 2 teams, they’ll enter the CWC Qualifier, alongside
- Bottom-ranked teams from the ODI Super League
- Other Associate nations from the Qualifier Playoff
The format includes:
- Group stages
- Super Six round
- Top 4 teams qualify for the World Cup
To book their place in the 2027 tournament, Namibia must finish in the top 4 of this global qualifier event.
Namibia’s Strengths
- Home-like conditions: Since the World Cup will be held in Southern Africa, Namibia’s players are used to similar pitches and climate.
- Young Talent: Players like Gerhard Erasmus and JJ Smit have been consistent performers.
- Growing Infrastructure: As co-host, Namibia is likely to invest further in cricket development and facilities.
Namibia’s qualification journey won’t be easy, but it’s far from impossible. With home advantage, a talented squad, and motivation to play in their first-ever ODI World Cup 2027, Namibia is one of the most exciting underdog stories in the making.
Their fate depends on consistent performances in League 2 and holding their nerve in the World Cup Qualifier.
Predicted 14 Teams for ICC ODI World Cup 2027
| Category | Team Names |
| Hosts | South Africa, Zimbabwe |
| Super League (Top 8) | India, Australia, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, West Indies |
| Qualifier Teams (Predicted) | Sri Lanka, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands |
Note: These predictions can change based on performances in 2025–2026 ODIs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1. How to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2027?
Ans: Qualifying for the ODI World Cup 2027 isn’t easy — teams have to earn their spot. South Africa and Zimbabwe are already in as hosts, but others have to perform well in the ICC ODI Super League. The top 8 teams from that league will qualify directly. Teams that don’t make it will still have a chance through the ICC World Cup Qualifier, where only the best four will go through. It’s a tough road, but it makes the tournament even more exciting!
Q2. Will Rohit Sharma play the ODI World Cup in 2027?
Ans: Rohit Sharma will be around 40 years old by 2027, so it really depends on his fitness, form, and whether the team management still sees him as part of the squad. He hasn’t announced any retirement plans yet, and knowing his love for the game, if he’s performing well and India needs his experience, he might just be there. But for now, it’s a waiting game.
Q3. Can Virat Kohli play the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Ans: Virat Kohli will be around 38 years old when the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives, and while that’s on the senior side for a cricketer, it’s not impossible. He’s known for his exceptional fitness, strong mindset, and passion for the game. If he continues to perform at a high level and stays injury-free, there’s a good chance he could still be part of the Indian squad—either as a senior batter guiding the next generation or even in a leadership role. But like all things in cricket, only time will tell. Fans would surely love to see one last World Cup run from King Kohli!
Q4. Who is hosting the World Cup 2027?
Ans: The ICC ODI World Cup 2027 will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This marks the return of the World Cup to the African continent after more than two decades. South Africa and Zimbabwe will qualify automatically as Full Member hosts, while Namibia, despite being a co-host, will have to earn qualification through the ICC pathway as they are currently an Associate Member.
Q5. How many ODI will India play till 2027?
Ans: According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), India is scheduled to play 27 One Day Internationals (ODIs) leading up to the 2027 World Cup. These matches are spread across nine bilateral series, each comprising three ODIs. The series are planned against teams such as Bangladesh, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand (twice), Afghanistan, England, West Indies, and Sri Lanka.
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