England have successfully dodged both the reigning champions Australia and the world’s top-ranked side, India, in the group-stage draw for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Harry Brook’s squad, looking to replicate their 2019 title success, find themselves placed in a group alongside co-hosts South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and one qualifying side.
The campaign for England kicks off on 8 October against Bangladesh, followed by a match against Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia. The team will then head to Gqeberha to challenge South Africa on 16 October before travelling to Harare to meet a qualifier on 20 October. Their group stage concludes on 23 October in Gqeberha with a fixture against New Zealand. Who have enjoyed a resurgence in the 50-over format, begin their campaign against Bangladesh on 8 October, and Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia, harry Brook’s side. Again in Gqeberha, on 23 October, they round off the group stage when they face New Zealand.
The scheduled visit to Harare marks a notable moment, as England have not played in Zimbabwe since 2004. During the early 2000s, political instability under Robert Mugabe severely strained relations, leading to England’s infamous boycott of a 2003 World Cup fixture—a move that ultimately hampered their tournament progress. However, diplomatic ties between the two cricket boards have warmed significantly, with discussions regarding a future bilateral tour between 2027 and 2031 reported last year.
Meanwhile, the rival group features Australia, India, and Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and an additional qualifier. The tournament opens with a high-profile repeat of the 2023 final as India faces Australia in Cape Town on 7 October. Fans can also look forward to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, set to take place in Johannesburg on 10 October.
Advancement to the next phase will be determined by the top three teams from each group, plus the highest-ranked fourth-place finisher, who will proceed to the Super 7 stage. The top four finishers from that pool will then advance to the semi-finals, held on 17 and 18 November. The 2027 tournament will culminate in the final, scheduled for 21 November in Johannesburg.
