T20 World Cup 2024 will soon enter its Super 8 round. Today is the last day of the group stage, with two matches scheduled to take place. New Zealand will lock horns with PNG in Trinidad, while Gros Islet will host a game between West Indies and Afghanistan.
The results of the two matches do not matter as West Indies and Afghanistan have qualified for Super 8s from Group C. All 8 teams of Super 8s are decided, and even the first 12 entrants of T20 World Cup 2026 have been locked. Here’s a list of four such teams which did not make it to Super 8s of T20 World Cup 2024 but will earn direct entry in T20 WC 2026.
1. Pakistan had a forgettable outing in T20 World Cup 2024
Former champions Pakistan lost their first two matches against USA and India, which led to an early elimination. Still, they will play in 2026 T20 WC because of their higher ranking.
2. New Zealand would like to forget T20 World Cup soon
New Zealand made it to final in 2021 and semifinal in 2022, but in 2024, their journey has ended in group stage. The Kiwis have earned their ticket to 2026 T20 WC because of their higher ranking as well.
3. Ireland
Ireland could not win a single match in the 2024 T20 WC. Still, due to their position in ICC T20I Rankings, the Irish team has earned the ticket to the 2026 T20 WC.
4. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka won only one game in the group stage of the 2024 T20 WC. The islanders are co-hosts of 2026 T20 WC along with India, which is why they have earned a direct entry as well.
