2027 ODI World Cup Format & Venues Announced
CSA confirms 2027 ODI World Cup venues, with South Africa hosting 44 matches across 8 cities, Zimbabwe and Namibia 10 games.
Cricket is returning to African soil in a big way. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the venues for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
This will be the first major ICC event in Africa since the 2003 World Cup. South Africa will take charge of the tournament, hosting 44 of the 54 matches across eight cities. The rest of the 10 games will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The eight South African cities selected are Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl.
Matches will be staged at iconic venues like Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Newlands in Cape Town, Kingsmead in Durban, St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, and Buffalo Park in East London.
CSA said these venues were chosen based on ICC standards, transport access, and hotel availability, to ensure a smooth experience for players and fans alike.
Zimbabwe and Namibia step in
Zimbabwe will host games at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and Harare Sports Club in Harare. Namibia, hosting an ICC event for the first time, will stage matches at Namibia Cricket Ground and United Ground in Windhoek. Their inclusion marks an important step for the growth of cricket in southern Africa.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature 14 teams, divided into two groups of seven. The top three from each group will qualify for the Super Six stage, leading into the semifinals and final.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have qualified automatically as hosts, while the top eight ODI-ranked teams as of March 31, 2027, will also secure their spots. Namibia, despite co-hosting, will have to go through the qualification pathway.
CSA’s vision for the World Cup
CSA Chairperson Pearl Maphoshe said the tournament will be “diverse, inclusive, and united,” aiming to deliver a unique cultural and sporting experience.
CSA President Rihan Richards highlighted that it has been 24 years since Africa last hosted an ODI World Cup and stressed the opportunity to bring in new fans, especially through digital platforms.
With matches spread across three nations, the 2027 World Cup is expected to showcase not just cricket but also the cultural richness of Africa, making it a memorable event for players and fans worldwide.
