Italy qualifies for T20 World Cup for the first time: Netherlands also secures its spot; tournament to be held in India-Sri Lanka next year

Italy has qualified for the Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held next year in India and Sri Lanka.

This will be the first time the Italian team takes part in a T20 World Cup. Alongside them, the Netherlands has also secured qualification for the tournament. Both teams earned their spots by finishing in the top two positions in the European Qualifier.

Scotland, which had participated in the last four T20 World Cups, missed out this time after a last-ball defeat against Jersey. They managed to win only one out of their four matches.

Netherlands defeated Italy by 9 wickets

In the final match of the European Qualifier played on 11 July 2025, Italy faced the Netherlands. Although Italy lost the match, it had no impact on their qualification for the T20 World Cup.

Batting first, Italy scored 134 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. In response, the Netherlands chased down the target comfortably, losing just one wicket in 16.2 overs.

In the final match of the European Qualifier, the Netherlands defeated Italy

Jersey missed out despite the win

Despite a one-wicket win in their final match, Jersey was eliminated from the tournament. Both Italy and Jersey finished with five points each, but Italy secured a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup thanks to a superior net run rate.

5 spots still remain vacant

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Apart from the host nations, India and Sri Lanka, the teams that have already qualified include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Canada.

With a total of 20 teams set to participate in the tournament, five spots are still up for grabs.