Now Reading: Nepal to Host Eight-Team ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier Playoff in December
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Nepal to Host Eight-Team ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier Playoff in December
The road to the 2027 ODI World Cup is heading to the Himalayas. The ICC has confirmed that Nepal will host the Men’s ODI World Cup Qualifier Playoff from December 4 to December 21, 2026. Eight nations, 28 matches and just four tickets to the Global Qualifier are on the line.
Nepal Set to Stage the Playoff in Kathmandu
The ICC announced the tournament on Friday, November 6. Matches will be played at two venues in Kathmandu: the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.
Nepal, Italy, Uganda, Jersey, Canada, Namibia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will take part. The hosts will play every game at home, which adds extra weight to their campaign.
Opening Day Action
Nepal begin against Italy at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on December 4. On the same day, Namibia face Uganda at Upper Mulpani.
The first day sets the tone for an 18-day schedule that leaves little room for slow starts.
Round-Robin Format: Every Match Counts
The tournament uses a single round-robin format. Each team plays the other seven sides once, so there is nowhere to hide.
The top four finishers will advance to the Global Qualifier. There they will join Full Member nations and other qualifiers in the race for places at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Tournament at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 4 to December 21, 2026 |
| Host | Nepal (Kathmandu) |
| Teams | 8 |
| Format | Single round-robin |
| Total matches | 28 |
| Rest days | 4 (Dec 8, 11, 16, 19) |
| Global Qualifier spots | Top 4 |
Full Match Schedule
Two games are played on each match day, one at each ground. Four days are set aside as rest days, which gives teams some breathing room in a packed window.
| Date | Tribhuvan University | Upper Mulpani |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 4 | Nepal vs Italy | Namibia vs Uganda |
| Sat, Dec 5 | UAE vs Jersey | Kuwait vs Canada |
| Sun, Dec 6 | Nepal vs Uganda | Italy vs Namibia |
| Mon, Dec 7 | Kuwait vs Jersey | Canada vs UAE |
| Tue, Dec 8 | No matches | No matches |
| Wed, Dec 9 | Canada vs Italy | Jersey vs Uganda |
| Thu, Dec 10 | Nepal vs UAE | Kuwait vs Namibia |
| Fri, Dec 11 | No matches | No matches |
| Sat, Dec 12 | Nepal vs Jersey | Namibia vs Canada |
| Sun, Dec 13 | Uganda vs Kuwait | UAE vs Italy |
| Mon, Dec 14 | Nepal vs Canada | Jersey vs Namibia |
| Tue, Dec 15 | Uganda vs Italy | UAE vs Kuwait |
| Wed, Dec 16 | No matches | No matches |
| Thu, Dec 17 | Italy vs Kuwait | Jersey vs Canada |
| Fri, Dec 18 | Nepal vs Namibia | Uganda vs UAE |
| Sat, Dec 19 | No matches | No matches |
| Sun, Dec 20 | Namibia vs UAE | Italy vs Jersey |
| Mon, Dec 21 | Nepal vs Kuwait | Canada vs Uganda |
What This Means for Nepal and the Chasing Pack
For Nepal, playing every game at home is a big opportunity. Familiar conditions and loud home crowds could be a real edge in a tournament where only four of eight teams progress.
The hosts finish their campaign on December 21 against Kuwait, a fixture that could easily decide who goes through. Canada and Uganda meet in the other final-day match at Upper Mulpani.
Why the Final Week Could Be Decisive
With a single round-robin and no knockout stage, one slip can be costly. Teams that handle pressure over 18 days will have the best shot at a Global Qualifier berth.
Expect momentum swings, tight finishes and net run rate drama as the table takes shape. The 2027 ODI World Cup dream stays alive for only the top four.
The Bottom Line
Eight teams, two Kathmandu venues and 28 matches will decide who takes the next step toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. Nepal kick things off against Italy on December 4, and the race for four spots begins from ball one.
