T20 World Cup 2026: 3 strong teams on the brink of disqualification

After 25 league games in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and with 15 matches still to be played before the Super Eight stage, several strong contenders find themselves on the brink of disqualification. Pre-tournament hype for these teams was immense, especially at sub-continent venues, but the reality has been different.

In the lead-up to this edition, high-scoring games had become common in bilateral cricket. However, global tournaments bring a different mindset. As a result, past heroics haven't brought the necessary results. 

Here are 3 strong teams on the brink of disqualification in T20 World Cup 2026

3. USA

The USA is right on the edge of elimination. After three matches in Group A, they have one win and two defeats, sitting on two points with a positive net run rate of 0.533.

They began by pushing India hard, reducing them to 46 for 4, but eventually lost by 29 runs after Suryakumar Yadav produced a masterclass of an innings. Against Pakistan, they fell short again, losing by 32 runs despite a half-century from Shubham Ranjane. 

Their only win came against the Netherlands, a 93-run victory that showed their potential. The USA now face Namibia in their last league game. Even a win over Namibia might keep them alive mathematically, but not a confirmed place in the Super Eight.

2. Afghanistan 

Two defeats in two games have left Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup campaign in a tough spot. They began with setting 182 against New Zealand in Chennai, thanks to Gulbadin Naib’s half-century, but could not defend it despite contributions with the ball from Mujeeb Ur Rahman. New Zealand completed their highest successful T20 World Cup chase, handing Afghanistan a five-wicket loss.

The heartbreak followed against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 84 took the game to a dramatic double Super Over, but Afghanistan fell short in a thriller that slipped through their fingers. Now, with matches against the UAE and Canada remaining, Afghanistan’s qualification hopes hang by a thread, dependent not just on wins but also on other results going their way.

1. Australia

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has been in a tricky phase after a shock 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe in Colombo. Having begun their Group B with a dominant win against Ireland, Australia now sit with one victory and one loss from two matches, leaving little margin for error heading into clashes against Sri Lanka and Oman.

The team opened their campaign with a bang against Ireland, posting 182/6 before bowling them out for 115. Four-wicket hauls from Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa sealed a comprehensive 67-run win, with Travis Head marking his first T20I victory as stand-in captain.

However, the momentum fell short against Zimbabwe. Chasing 169 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Australia lost four wickets inside 27 balls. Matt Renshaw’s 65 and Glenn Maxwell’s 31 provided some hope, but the opposition's bowling and fielding restricted them to 146. With a net run rate still healthy, Australia remain in contention, but another slip-up could severely hurt their semifinal hopes.