England avoid India and Australia as 2027 Cricket World Cup draw is revealed

England have learned their route through the opening stage of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup after the groups and full fixture schedule were revealed, with Harry Brook’s side drawn alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and a qualifier.

The draw means England will avoid defending champions Australia and India during the first phase of the tournament, with those two nations placed together in Group A alongside Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and another qualifier. The World Cup will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, beginning on 2 October 2027 before the final takes place in Johannesburg on 21 November.

England drawn into Group B

England will begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Windhoek on Friday 8 October before remaining in the Namibian capital to face Sri Lanka five days later.

Their attention will then turn to two of the strongest established sides in the group. England travel to Gqeberha to meet co-hosts South Africa on 16 October, before facing a qualifier in Harare four days later and returning to Gqeberha for their final scheduled group fixture against New Zealand on 23 October.

England’s confirmed group-stage fixtures are:

• 8 October: England v Bangladesh, Windhoek
• 13 October: England v Sri Lanka, Windhoek
• 16 October: South Africa v England, Gqeberha
• 20 October: England v Qualifier B, Harare
• 23 October: England v New Zealand, Gqeberha

The schedule will therefore take England through all three host countries during the opening phase, with their five matches spread across Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

A different World Cup format awaits England

The 2027 tournament will feature 14 teams and introduce a different route to the knockout rounds.

The top three teams from each of the two groups will progress to the Super 7 stage, joined by whichever of the two fourth-placed sides has the better group-stage record. All seven teams will then start the next phase on zero points and play six further matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.

That structure makes the opening phase more forgiving than a straightforward top-two qualification system, but England will still need to establish themselves within a group containing several sides with significant recent World Cup experience.

New Zealand have reached at least the semi-finals at each of the last three ODI World Cups, while South Africa reached the last four in 2023. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh complete a familiar-looking group for England, with the final place to be determined through the qualification process.

England looking for a response after 2023 disappointment

The tournament will also provide England with their first opportunity to respond to a difficult defence of the trophy they won at Lord’s in 2019.

England entered the 2023 World Cup in India as defending champions but finished seventh after winning three and losing six of their nine matches, bringing their campaign to an end before the semi-finals.

The ODI side has since undergone considerable change, with Brook now leading a squad that contains a mixture of established internationals and players pushing for permanent roles ahead of 2027.

Their preparations have recently taken another step forward with a 2-1 ODI series victory over Sri Lanka. England sealed the series with a 223-run win at the KIA Oval, where Tom Banton scored 126 and Brook added 77 in a total of 355-7.

The build-up will continue almost immediately, with England travelling to Pakistan later this month for an ODI tri-series involving the hosts and Sri Lanka. That competition forms part of a lengthy run of 50-over cricket designed to shape the squad before attention fully turns towards the World Cup.

England’s 2027 home schedule forms major part of World Cup preparations

England will also have a substantial programme of home ODI cricket before travelling to southern Africa.

Pakistan visit for five ODIs in May 2027, with matches taking place at the Utilita Bowl, the Emirates Old Trafford, Headingley, Banks Homes Riverside and Sophia Gardens. New Zealand then arrive in September for three IT20s followed by another five-match ODI series, providing England with their final home 50-over preparation ahead of the World Cup.

Supporters can experience England cricket in style throughout the 2027 season with official cricket hospitality from Eventmasters. A range of premium hospitality experiences will be available across England’s international fixtures, combining excellent views of the action with first-class food, drink and matchday facilities.

FAQs

Who are England playing in the 2027 Cricket World Cup group stage?

England have been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Qualifier B.

When is England’s first match at the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

England begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Windhoek on Friday 8 October 2027.

Where is the 2027 Cricket World Cup being held?

The tournament will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with matches taking place across 12 venues.

How do teams qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup semi-finals?

The top three teams from each opening group, plus the better fourth-placed side, progress to the Super 7 stage. Those seven teams then play one another, with the top four reaching the semi-finals.

When is the 2027 Cricket World Cup final?

The final will take place in Johannesburg on Sunday 21 November 2027, with a reserve day scheduled for 22 November if required.

Can I experience England Cricket hospitality in 2027?

Yes. Eventmasters offers premium cricket hospitality experiences for England internationals, with the 2027 home schedule including ODI series against Pakistan and New Zealand ahead of the World Cup.