The Italian team created history as they booked their place for the T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. 

This is the first time Italy have qualifed for an ICC event. Italy booked their place for the tournament next year despite losing to the Netherlands on Friday, July 11.

The Italian team were beaten by 9 wickets by the Netherlands at The Hague on Friday, but they were still able to qualify after finishing in the top two. The Netherlands also booked their place for next year’s tournament with win as Jersey were knocked out. They had beaten Scotland on Friday and looked to be in contention, after finishing with 5 points.

However, Italy’s superior net run-rate helped them make it to the T20 World Cup.

Jersey could have qualified had Italy won their final qualifier game against the Netherlands. With the qualification of Italy and Netherlands, a total of 15 teams have qualified for the T20 World Cup next year, with five more spots remaining.

Five more teams, two from the Africa qualifiers and and three from the Asia–EAP Regional Final will seal their places to round off the teams.

Italy is known for its exploits in football and recently in tennis with the rise of Jannik Sinner to the top of the world rankings. Italy caught everyone’s attention when they pulled off a big shock to defeat Scotland in their previous match and were on the cusp of making it to the T20 World Cup.

They have the likes of Joe Burns and the Manenti brothers, who have played in the BBL. Burns has played Test cricket for Australia before switching teams and joining Italy. They also have Thomas Draca in their ranks, who had put his name for the IPL 2025 auction.

Teams who have qualified for T20 World Cup 2026

India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Netherlands, and Italy.

Source: India Today
--Agencies