By Tanzeel Ul Rehman | October 3, 2026
The World Cup 2027 fixtures open the group stage with India vs Australia at Newlands, Cape Town, on Thursday, October 7, 2027, a rematch of the 2023 final. India then play Pakistan at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday, October 10. Both games are in Group A, the toughest group of the tournament. The final is at the Wanderers on November 21, 2027, and matches are reported to start at 10:00 AM local time, which is 1:00 PM in Pakistan and 1:30 PM in India.
The ICC released all 57 fixtures in Cape Town on October 1, 2026. Below you will find the complete group stage list, start times for your country, each big team’s route, a venue guide and how to enter the ticket ballot. We also explain why India and Pakistan could meet three times, and why winning your group counts for less than you think.
World Cup 2027 Fixtures at a Glance
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Tournament dates | October 2 to November 21, 2027 |
| Hosts | South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia |
| Teams and matches | 14 teams, 57 matches, 12 venues |
| Group stage opener | India vs Australia, October 7, Newlands, Cape Town |
| India vs Pakistan | October 10, Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| Super 7 stage | October 25 to November 14 |
| Semi finals | November 17 (Cape Town), November 18 (Tshwane) |
| Final | November 21, Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| Reported start time | 10:00 AM local (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia share the same time zone) |
| Ticket ballot | Open now, closes November 21, 2026 |
If you want the background on how each team qualified and the history of the venues, our earlier Cricket World Cup 2027 schedule launch guide covers it.
What Time Do World Cup 2027 Matches Start in Your Country?
Reports on the fixture release put the start time at 10:00 AM South African time, which makes these day games. The ICC may confirm a few day night matches later, so check closer to the event.
| Country | Start time (October) | Start time (November) |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia | 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Pakistan | 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| India and Sri Lanka | 1:30 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Bangladesh | 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| UK | 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Australia (Sydney, Melbourne) | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| New Zealand | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Why this is good news for South Asian fans: a 1:00 PM or 1:30 PM start means the full match finishes in the evening in Pakistan and India. Fans can watch a whole game after lunch without staying up past midnight. The UK times change because British clocks go back on October 31, 2027.
World Cup 2027 Full Group Stage Fixtures
| No. | Date (2027) | Match | Group | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thu, Oct 7 | India vs Australia | A | Cape Town |
| 2 | Fri, Oct 8 | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | A | Tshwane (Centurion) |
| 3 | Fri, Oct 8 | England vs Bangladesh | B | Windhoek |
| 4 | Sat, Oct 9 | Zimbabwe vs Qualifier A | A | Bulawayo |
| 5 | Sat, Oct 9 | South Africa vs New Zealand | B | Cape Town |
| 6 | Sun, Oct 10 | India vs Pakistan | A | Johannesburg |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 10 | Sri Lanka vs Qualifier B | B | Windhoek |
| 8 | Mon, Oct 11 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | A | Bulawayo |
| 9 | Tue, Oct 12 | Australia vs Qualifier A | A | Paarl |
| 10 | Tue, Oct 12 | New Zealand vs Bangladesh | B | KuGompo City |
| 11 | Wed, Oct 13 | England vs Sri Lanka | B | Windhoek |
| 12 | Wed, Oct 13 | South Africa vs Qualifier B | B | Paarl |
| 13 | Thu, Oct 14 | India vs Afghanistan | A | Tshwane (Centurion) |
| 14 | Fri, Oct 15 | Pakistan vs Qualifier A | A | Bloemfontein |
| 15 | Fri, Oct 15 | Zimbabwe vs Australia | A | Harare |
| 16 | Sat, Oct 16 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | B | Durban |
| 17 | Sat, Oct 16 | South Africa vs England | B | Gqeberha |
| 18 | Sun, Oct 17 | India vs Qualifier A | A | Bloemfontein |
| 19 | Sun, Oct 17 | New Zealand vs Qualifier B | B | Harare |
| 20 | Mon, Oct 18 | Australia vs Afghanistan | A | KuGompo City |
| 21 | Tue, Oct 19 | Zimbabwe vs Pakistan | A | Harare |
| 22 | Tue, Oct 19 | South Africa vs Bangladesh | B | Durban |
| 23 | Wed, Oct 20 | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | B | Johannesburg |
| 24 | Wed, Oct 20 | England vs Qualifier B | B | Harare |
| 25 | Thu, Oct 21 | Afghanistan vs Qualifier A | A | KuGompo City |
| 26 | Fri, Oct 22 | Australia vs Pakistan | A | Paarl |
| 27 | Fri, Oct 22 | South Africa vs Sri Lanka | B | Johannesburg |
| 28 | Sat, Oct 23 | England vs New Zealand | B | Gqeberha |
| 29 | Sat, Oct 23 | Bangladesh vs Qualifier B | B | Tshwane (Centurion) |
| 30 | Sun, Oct 24 | Zimbabwe vs India | A | Victoria Falls |
Before the group stage, three qualifiers play the Super Series in Windhoek on October 2, 4 and 6. The winner of that mini league becomes the last team in the group stage. KuGompo City is the new name of East London, home of Buffalo Park.
Why Does India vs Australia Open the World Cup 2027 Group Stage?
Because it is the match everyone remembers from last time. In the 2023 final in Ahmedabad, India had won ten games in a row before Travis Head’s hundred took the trophy away in front of more than 90,000 home fans. Opening the next World Cup’s group stage with the same two teams gives the tournament a headline from day one.
There is a cricket reason too. In World Cup matches, Australia lead India 9 to 5, and they have beaten India in two finals, 2003 and 2023. India won the group meeting in Chennai in 2023, so neither side can claim it owns the other.
What does the opener decide? Less than it seems. The top three in each group go through, plus the better of the two fourth placed teams. A loss on October 7 knocks nobody out. But in a group where four strong sides chase three automatic spots, an early win gives breathing room.
Why Newlands? An October morning in Cape Town usually brings some moisture in the pitch and help for the seamers in the first hour. Australia’s fast bowlers will enjoy that. India’s top order will have to survive a testing new ball spell before the pitch eases. For a sense of how Australia are preparing in these conditions, see our Australia in South Africa 2026 series guide.
When Is India vs Pakistan in the World Cup 2027, and How Many Times Can They Meet?
India vs Pakistan is on Sunday, October 10, 2027, at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, starting at 1:00 PM Pakistan time and 1:30 PM Indian time.
India lead Pakistan 8 to 0 in ODI World Cup matches. Pakistan have beaten India in T20 World Cups and the Champions Trophy, but never in a 50 over World Cup. Breaking that run on the ground where the final is played would be a huge moment for Pakistan.
Here is the part most fans have not worked out. India and Pakistan could meet up to three times at this World Cup:
- Group stage: October 10, Johannesburg.
- Super 7: if both qualify, they meet again. Reports on the provisional seedings put India as A1 and Pakistan as A3, which would make it November 7 at Newlands, Cape Town.
- Knockouts: a third meeting is possible in a semi final or the final.
That has never happened at a men’s ODI World Cup. It is a direct result of the Super 7 round robin.
Why the Wanderers? It is the biggest and loudest ground in South Africa, and it is also the venue for the final. Whoever wins on October 10 will already have played, and won, at the final venue in front of a full house.
World Cup 2027 Groups: Is Group A the Group of Death?
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| India | New Zealand |
| Australia | South Africa |
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| Afghanistan | England |
| Zimbabwe (co host) | Bangladesh |
| Qualifier A | Qualifier B |
Yes, Group A is the harder group, and it is not close. It has the last two World Cup winners, India and Australia, plus Pakistan, plus Afghanistan, who beat England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the 2023 World Cup. All four would normally expect to reach the next round, but only three get an automatic place.
Look at the dates and you see how quickly it could go wrong for someone. Pakistan play Afghanistan and India in their first three days. Australia face India first and Pakistan last, in Paarl on October 22. That final round of games could easily decide which big team goes home after five matches.
Group B looks more open but less dangerous. South Africa have home crowds and a soft looking start against a qualifier in Paarl. New Zealand are always steady at World Cups. England will want to recover from a poor 2023, and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh both play three games in Windhoek and Durban, where conditions can suit their spinners and seamers.
Our view: Group B teams have the easier path into the Super 7, but Group A teams will arrive there battle hardened. In a long 50 over tournament, hard early games often help more than easy wins.
India’s World Cup 2027 Fixtures and Route to the Final
| Stage | Date (2027) | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group | October 7 | Australia | Newlands, Cape Town |
| Group | October 10 | Pakistan | Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| Group | October 14 | Afghanistan | SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Group | October 17 | Qualifier A | Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein |
| Group | October 24 | Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls |
| Super 7 (as A1) | October 28 to November 14 | Six matches | Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, Paarl, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban |
India’s two hardest group games come in the first four days. By the time they finish against Afghanistan on October 14, they will know whether they are on track.
The break between October 17 and October 24 is India’s longest gap of the group stage. It helps tired bowlers but risks a loss of rhythm before the Super 7.
Travel and conditions: India start on the coast in Cape Town, then move up to Johannesburg, Centurion and Bloemfontein on the Highveld, all well above 1,000 metres. The ball flies further at altitude and totals rise. Then they finish in Victoria Falls, a brand new international venue.
If the provisional A1 seeding holds, India’s Super 7 would include a repeat against Australia at Victoria Falls on October 28 and the possible second Pakistan game in Cape Town on November 7.
For India’s current ODI form, read our India vs West Indies 1st ODI result, where Virat Kohli reached 15,000 ODI runs.
Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 Schedule: A Tough Opening Week
| Date (2027) | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 8 | Afghanistan | SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| October 10 | India | Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| October 15 | Qualifier A | Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein |
| October 19 | Zimbabwe | Harare Sports Club |
| October 22 | Australia | Boland Park, Paarl |
Pakistan’s opener against Afghanistan is arguably more dangerous than the India game. Afghanistan beat Pakistan at the 2023 World Cup in Chennai, chasing 283 with ease. Losing to Afghanistan and India in three days would leave Pakistan needing wins in all three remaining games, including Australia in the last round.
There is a bright side. Four of Pakistan’s five group games are on the Highveld or at altitude in Harare, where pace bowlers get bounce and batting is generally easier. Young batters like Hasan Nawaz, who just scored 96 against India in the Asian Games final, will enjoy those true surfaces.
Australia, South Africa and the Rest: Team Schedules at a Glance
| Team | Group stage fixtures (2027) |
|---|---|
| Australia | India (Oct 7, Cape Town), Qualifier A (Oct 12, Paarl), Zimbabwe (Oct 15, Harare), Afghanistan (Oct 18, KuGompo City), Pakistan (Oct 22, Paarl) |
| South Africa | New Zealand (Oct 9, Cape Town), Qualifier B (Oct 13, Paarl), England (Oct 16, Gqeberha), Bangladesh (Oct 19, Durban), Sri Lanka (Oct 22, Johannesburg) |
| England | Bangladesh (Oct 8, Windhoek), Sri Lanka (Oct 13, Windhoek), South Africa (Oct 16, Gqeberha), Qualifier B (Oct 20, Harare), New Zealand (Oct 23, Gqeberha) |
| New Zealand | South Africa (Oct 9, Cape Town), Bangladesh (Oct 12, KuGompo City), Qualifier B (Oct 17, Harare), Sri Lanka (Oct 20, Johannesburg), England (Oct 23, Gqeberha) |
| Afghanistan | Pakistan (Oct 8, Centurion), Zimbabwe (Oct 11, Bulawayo), India (Oct 14, Centurion), Australia (Oct 18, KuGompo City), Qualifier A (Oct 21, KuGompo City) |
| Sri Lanka | Qualifier B (Oct 10, Windhoek), England (Oct 13, Windhoek), Bangladesh (Oct 16, Durban), New Zealand (Oct 20, Johannesburg), South Africa (Oct 22, Johannesburg) |
| Bangladesh | England (Oct 8, Windhoek), New Zealand (Oct 12, KuGompo City), Sri Lanka (Oct 16, Durban), South Africa (Oct 19, Durban), Qualifier B (Oct 23, Centurion) |
| Zimbabwe | Qualifier A (Oct 9, Bulawayo), Afghanistan (Oct 11, Bulawayo), Australia (Oct 15, Harare), Pakistan (Oct 19, Harare), India (Oct 24, Victoria Falls) |
Two things stand out in these World Cup 2027 fixtures. First, Zimbabwe play all five group games at home, which gives the co hosts a real shot at the Super 7. Their first two games, against a qualifier and Afghanistan in Bulawayo, could decide it. Second, Australia play two of their five games in Paarl, a smaller ground where spin can play a bigger role than in most South African venues.
How Does the World Cup 2027 Format Work?
1. Super Series (October 2 to 6, Windhoek). Three of the four teams from the qualifying tournament play a round robin of three matches. Only the winner moves on to the group stage.
2. Group stage (October 7 to 24). Twelve teams in two groups of six. Each team plays five games. The top three in each group go through, plus the better of the two fourth placed sides.
3. Super 7 (October 25 to November 14). The seven remaining teams play each other once, six games each. Group points are wiped out. The top four reach the semi finals.
4. Knockouts (November 17 to 21). Two semi finals and the final.
The maths: 3 Super Series games plus 30 group games plus 21 Super 7 games plus 3 knockouts adds up to the 57 matches the ICC announced.
Why Does “No Carryover” Change Everything?
This is the detail most fixture lists skip. Once the Super 7 begins, a team that won all five group games starts level with a team that scraped through in fourth.
- Big group games matter less. India vs Australia and India vs Pakistan decide qualification, not who is ahead in the Super 7.
- Teams can rotate. A side that is safe after three or four games can rest players without paying for it later. If India are through before October 24, expect changes for the Zimbabwe game.
- The Super 7 is the real tournament. Six games in three weeks against the best teams, spread from Victoria Falls to Durban, will decide the semi finalists. Fitness and squad depth will matter more than at any previous World Cup.
Provisional seedings make the Super 7 fixtures predictable. Reports say the ICC has pre allocated Super 7 slots, with Australia listed as A2. If that works like recent ICC events, each qualified team takes its seeded slot whatever its group finish, so fans can plan travel for Super 7 games now. The full Super 7 grid runs from A2 vs B3 in Johannesburg on October 25 to A1 vs B3 in Durban on November 14.
World Cup 2027 Fixtures by Venue: Where Every Match Is Played
| Venue | City | Country | Matches | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newlands | Cape Town | South Africa | 6 (incl. semi final 1) | Seam early, scenic, good for batting later |
| Wanderers | Johannesburg | South Africa | 6 (incl. final) | High altitude, fast outfield, big totals |
| Kingsmead | Durban | South Africa | 6 | Humid, swing in the morning |
| SuperSport Park | Tshwane (Centurion) | South Africa | 5 (incl. semi final 2) | Bounce and pace on the Highveld |
| Mangaung Oval | Bloemfontein | South Africa | 5 | Altitude, flat for batting |
| St George’s Park | Gqeberha | South Africa | 5 | Slower pitch, famous crowd band |
| Boland Park | Paarl | South Africa | 4 | Smaller ground, can help spin |
| Buffalo Park | KuGompo City | South Africa | 4 | Coastal, often windy |
| Namibia Cricket Ground | Windhoek | Namibia | 6 (incl. 3 Super Series) | High altitude, short boundaries |
| Harare Sports Club | Harare | Zimbabwe | 4 | Good batting surface at altitude |
| Queens Sports Club | Bulawayo | Zimbabwe | 2 | Slow, low, helps spin |
| Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls | Zimbabwe | 4 | Brand new international venue |
Count them up and South Africa hosts 41 matches, Zimbabwe 10 and Namibia 6.
What Can India Learn From the 2003 World Cup in South Africa?
The 2003 World Cup in South Africa is the closest guide, and two of the same grounds are central again.
At Centurion, India were bowled out for 125 by Australia in the group stage and lost by nine wickets. A few weeks later on the same ground, Sachin Tendulkar hit 98 off 75 balls to beat Pakistan. In 2027, India play Afghanistan at Centurion.
At the Wanderers, India reached the final and met Australia again. Ricky Ponting made 140 not out, Australia scored 359 for 2, and India lost by 125 runs. The 2027 final is at the Wanderers again.
The lesson from 2003 is that bounce and pace in South Africa punish teams who arrive unprepared, but they also reward teams who adapt. India lost badly to Australia early on, then won eight straight games to reach the final. An early test against Australia in 2027 could shape the campaign the same way.
How Can You Get World Cup 2027 Tickets?
- Register at the official ticket site, tickets.cricketworldcup.com. Registration is free and no payment is taken now.
- Choose your matches. India vs Pakistan and the final will be heavily oversubscribed, so add other games too.
- Wait for the draw. The ballot closes on November 21, 2026. Winners are picked at random, so applying early does not help.
- Pay if you are drawn. Successful fans are then asked to pay.
Prices start at about R158 (around 9.60 US dollars) and go up to about R514 (around 31 US dollars) for the biggest games. Family bundles and discounts for students, pensioners and groups are available.
Tip for travelling fans: Johannesburg is the best base. The Wanderers, Centurion and Bloemfontein are all within reach by road, and together they host 16 matches, including India vs Pakistan, India vs Afghanistan, a semi final and the final.
Who Are the Favourites After the World Cup 2027 Fixtures Release?
| Team | Why they are contenders |
|---|---|
| India | Batting depth, a deep spin attack and strong recent ODI form |
| Australia | World champions who usually peak at World Cups |
| South Africa | Home conditions and crowds, still chasing a first title |
| England | Experienced white ball group looking to make up for 2023 |
| New Zealand | Reached at least the semi finals at each of the last five World Cups |
Our early pick for the final is India vs Australia at the Wanderers, a repeat of both 2003 and 2023. But with no carryover and a brutal Group A, at least one big name will slip. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the teams most likely to cause it.
World Cup 2027 Fixtures FAQs
When does the 2027 Cricket World Cup start?
The Super Series begins in Windhoek on October 2, 2027. According to the World Cup 2027 fixtures, the main group stage starts on Thursday, October 7 with India vs Australia in Cape Town.
When is India vs Pakistan in the 2027 World Cup?
India play Pakistan on Sunday, October 10, 2027, at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. India lead the ODI World Cup head to head 8 to 0.
What time do World Cup 2027 matches start?
Reports put the start time at 10:00 AM local time. That is 1:00 PM in Pakistan, 1:30 PM in India and Sri Lanka, and 2:00 PM in Bangladesh.
Which teams are in India’s group at the 2027 World Cup?
India are in Group A with Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. Four strong teams are chasing three automatic places, which is why many fans call it the group of death.
How many times can India and Pakistan meet at the 2027 World Cup?
Up to three times: once in the group stage, again in the Super 7 if both qualify, and a third time in a semi final or the final.
Where is the 2027 World Cup final?
The final is on November 21, 2027, at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The semi finals are in Cape Town on November 17 and Tshwane on November 18.
What is the Super 7 stage?
A round robin of the seven teams that come through the group stage: the top three from each group plus the best fourth placed side. Group points do not carry over, and the top four reach the semi finals.
How do I get tickets for the 2027 World Cup?
Register for the free ticket ballot at tickets.cricketworldcup.com before November 21, 2026. Winners are picked at random.
Countdown to Cape Town
The World Cup 2027 fixtures give fans exactly what they wanted: India vs Australia on day one, India vs Pakistan three days later, and a final at the Wanderers, where India’s 2003 run ended. The new format adds a twist, because group wins count for nothing once the Super 7 starts, and the toughest teams are all packed into Group A. Squads will change over the next twelve months, but the calendar is set. For the official list, see the ICC’s fixture announcement and the ICC media release with ticket ballot details. For more fifty over cricket before then, our ODI Tri Nation Series in UAE 2026 guide covers one of this season’s series.
This coverage is brought to you by CRIC INFO 365 — designed for passionate cricket fans seeking fast, reliable live scorecards, comprehensive match reports, and in-depth analysis for every Test, ODI, and T20 cricket match as it happens, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.
