UAE Triumphs Over Japan to Qualify for T20 World Cup 2026

In a decisive display of skill and determination, the UAE national cricket team has booked its place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Japan in Muscat on Thursday. This win cements the UAE’s position among the top cricketing nations and marks their third appearance in the prestigious tournament, after previously featuring in 2014 and 2022.

Super Six Stage Performance

The UAE finished the Super Six stage with six points, achieving two wins from four matches, and carried forward two points from a group-stage triumph over Qatar. The team’s consistent performance throughout the qualifiers underscored their growing strength in international cricket and highlighted their ability to perform under pressure.

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A Milestone for UAE Cricket

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, lauded the team’s dedication and resilience. He emphasized that this achievement reflects the UAE’s wider commitment to excellence in sport and its focus on nurturing young talent.

“This success highlights the progress of Emirates Cricket and the UAE’s commitment to excellence in sport,” Sheikh Nahyan said. “Our sporting success reflects the UAE’s image as a nation of leadership, tolerance, and ambition.”

Preparing for the Global Stage

With the World Cup set to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February–March 2026, the Emirates Cricket Board is gearing up to provide world-class preparation for the team. Plans are underway for domestic and overseas training camps, warm-up matches, and advanced training programs aimed at ensuring the UAE squad is fully ready to compete against the world’s best.

The team’s historic qualification signals a new chapter for UAE cricket, inspiring a generation of young players and strengthening the nation’s presence on the global sporting stage.