### ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier: A Pivotal Tournament for Global Cricket The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier is set to take place in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, 2026. This tournament is crucial as it will determine the final four teams that will qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup scheduled in England and Wales later in June. A total of ten teams will compete in this qualifier, with matches hosted in Kathmandu, marking a significant moment for women's cricket in Nepal as it will be the first time the country hosts an ICC women's event [https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/bangladesh-announce-women-s-t20wc-2026-qualifier-squad]. ### Structure of the Qualifier Tournament 1. **Tournament Format**: - The qualifier will feature **10 teams** divided into two groups. - The top three teams from each group will advance to the **Super Six** stage, where they will compete for the four available spots in the World Cup [https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/icc-women-s-t20-world-cup-2026-qualifier-schedule-confirmed]. 2. **Key Dates**: - The tournament kicks off with warm-up matches on **January 14 and 16**. - The main event runs from **January 18 to February 1** [https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/womens-t20-worldcup-2026/news/nepal-name-squad-for-women-s-t20-world-cup-global-qualifiers]. 3. **Participating Teams**: - Teams include Bangladesh, Netherlands, Ireland, and the host nation Nepal, among others [https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/netherlands-name-women-s-t20-world-cup-qualifier-squad]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Squad Announcements**: - Bangladesh has announced a **15-player squad** led by Nigar Sultana, aiming for qualification [https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/bangladesh-announce-women-s-t20wc-2026-qualifier-squad]. - The Netherlands has also revealed their squad, with Babette de Leede as captain [https://ianslive.in/babette-de-leede-to-lead-netherlands-squad-for-womens-t20-wc-global-qualifier--20260106183347]. - Nepal's squad, captained by Indu Barma, marks a historic moment as it is the first time the country will host and participate in an ICC women's event [https://yespunjab.com/indu-barma-to-lead-nepal-squad-for-womens-t20-wc-global-qualifier]. - **Match Schedule**: - The opening match will see Bangladesh face the Netherlands on **January 14** [https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/women-s-t20-world-cup-2026-global-qualifier-fixtures-officially-unveiled-by-icc-kathmandu-to-host-matches]. ### Conclusion: A Crucial Step for Women's Cricket The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier is a significant event that not only provides a pathway to the World Cup but also highlights the growing prominence of women's cricket globally. 1. **Importance of the Qualifier**: - It serves as the final opportunity for teams to secure their place in the World Cup, emphasizing the competitive nature of women's cricket [https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/womens-t20-worldcup-2026/news/icc-women-s-t20-world-cup-2026-qualifier-fixtures-revealed]. 2. **Historical Context**: - This tournament is particularly notable for Nepal, as it marks their debut in hosting an ICC women's event, showcasing the development of cricket in the region [https://www.cricketnambia.com/capricorn-eagles-set-for-historic-icc-womens-t20-world-cup-global-qualifier-2026-in-nepal]. 3. **Future Implications**: - The outcomes of this qualifier will not only affect the teams involved but also contribute to the overall growth and visibility of women's cricket on a global scale [https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/bangladesh-announce-women-s-t20wc-2026-qualifier-squad]. In summary, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier is set to be a landmark event, with significant implications for the future of women's cricket.