Afghanistan and Canada Face Off in T20 Cricket World Cup

The matchup highlights the rise of associate cricket nations on the global stage.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature a late-group-stage matchup between Afghanistan and Canada in Group D. Afghanistan is now a competitive force in T20 cricket, known for its dynamic spin options and assertive top order, while Canada represents the steady rise of associate cricket nations working to solidify their place on the world stage.

Why it matters

The T20 World Cup has become one of the most electrifying events in international sport, elevating cricket's fastest format to a truly global stage. This matchup between Afghanistan and Canada showcases the sport's continued growth and the efforts of associate nations to make their mark on the world stage.

The details

The game will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India, a landmark cricket ground renowned for its atmosphere and long-standing place in international competition. Afghanistan, with its dynamic spin options and assertive top order, is widely recognized as a competitive force in T20 cricket, while Canada represents the steady rise of associate cricket nations working to solidify their place on the world stage.

  • The match is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, with a start time of 8:30 a.m. EST for viewers in the United States and Canada.

The players

Afghanistan

A national cricket team that is now firmly established as a competitive force in T20 cricket, known for its dynamic spin options and assertive top order.

Canada

A national cricket team that represents the steady rise of associate cricket nations working to solidify their place on the world stage.

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The takeaway

This matchup between Afghanistan and Canada showcases the continued growth and globalization of cricket, as well as the efforts of associate nations to make their mark on the world stage.