The renowned Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg is set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup final, a nostalgic return after previously hosting in 2003. This venue is also preparing for the eagerly awaited India vs Pakistan match on 10th October. With a seating capacity exceeding 30,000, Wanderers takes precedence over the picturesque Newlands in Cape Town, which is often praised for its scenic mountain backdrop.
Newlands, however, will not be sidelined. It will kick off the tournament by hosting the opening match between India and the current defending champions, Australia, on the 7th of October. Before the primary stage unfolds, the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek will host a preliminary Super Series featuring three teams. This stage will determine which team gains entry to join the 12 teams in the World Cup main event.
Scheduled for 17th November, a semi-final match is also reserved for Newlands, while SuperSport Park is set to host the other on 18th November. Additionally, Zimbabwe, acting as co-hosts, will see five group stage matches within its borders, ensuring home-ground advantage for its participants.
The World Cup’s 12 teams will be organised into two groups of six. Group A includes Afghanistan, Australia, India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and one qualifier yet to be confirmed. Group B consists of Bangladesh, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and another qualifier. The qualifiers will be determined from an upcoming 10-team tournament, with success ensuring entry into the group stage. The losing finalist and two semi-final semi-finalists will participate in the Super Series instead. The location for these qualifiers remains undecided, but potential hosts include South Africa or Namibia.
The tournament will span from the 2nd of October, honouring Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, reflecting South Africa’s historical ties with his legacy, and will conclude on the 21st of November.
South Africa, the co-hosts, are set to commence their World Cup run against New Zealand at Newlands on 9th October, in what will be a rematch of the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final. Zimbabwe will face Afghanistan in Bulawayo on 11th October to launch their campaign.
In the next stage, known as the Super 7 phase, the top three teams from each group will advance, along with the best-performing fourth-placed team. Preliminarily, several positions for this stage have already been designated: Group A includes India, Australia, and Pakistan, while Group B features England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Further details on match schedules and team line-ups are expected as the tournament approaches.
