Johannesburg to Host India-Pakistan Clash and 2027 World Cup Final

Johannesburg will be the setting for both the highly anticipated India-Pakistan group-stage encounter and the final of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, after the International Cricket Council released the tournament schedule.

The two teams are due to meet on October 10, 2027, in Johannesburg. The same city will host the tournament final on November 21.

The 50-over competition will run from October 7 to November 21, 2027, across South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Matches will be played at 12 venues involving 12 participants, including two teams that had not been confirmed when the schedule was announced.

Tournament format

The group stage will begin in Cape Town on October 7, when Australia face India in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. Australia are the defending champions.

The 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six, with each group including one qualifier. The top three teams in each group will move into the Super 7 stage, joined by the best fourth-place team across the two groups.

The four highest-ranked sides after the Super 7 phase will progress to the semifinals. One semifinal is scheduled for November 17 at Newlands in Cape Town, while the other will take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion on November 18.

Qualification and venues

The ICC said the two remaining places will be decided through a 10-team qualifying tournament early next year. The winner of that competition will secure one place, while the winner of the Super Series will take the other.

The top 10 teams in the ICC rankings as of Tuesday received automatic qualification, according to the ICC. The governing body also pre-seeded a number of teams into the Super 7 stage, regardless of where they finish among the top three in their group.

Zimbabwe will open its campaign against Afghanistan in Bulawayo on October 11. England are scheduled to play two group matches in Namibia, while Zimbabwe’s newly built Victoria Falls ground will host the final group-stage fixture between Zimbabwe and India on October 24, along with three additional Super 7 matches.

India and Pakistan were placed in the same group through a ballot held behind closed doors, according to the source report. The teams could meet again in the Super 7 stage if both qualify, and could face one another a third time in the final if both reach the title match.

ICC chairman Jay Shah said the three host countries would offer a strong setting for the tournament.

“South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will provide an unforgettable stage for the world’s best teams, combining a deep passion for cricket, extraordinary destinations and a renowned warmth of welcome,” Shah said.