The qualification of Italy for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will go down in history as one of the most remarkable events in cricket history. Italy qualified for the tournament and is also taking part in the World Cup of cricket for the first time.
The European side won the Regional Final in Europe, which took place in the Netherlands from July 5 to 11, 2025, and became the final representatives for the continent by the very good performances they managed to maintain during the tournament.
Italy was the team that got second place behind the Netherlands and thus could get access to the Europe Regional Final. The most exciting episode in Italy’s trip was undeniably the 12-run victory over Scotland, which tilted the balance in their favour. To qualify in their final and deciding match against the Netherlands, Italy had to stay out of a big defeat to not be overtaken by Jersey on net run rate. Despite being outnumbered, they made sure the score did not go far, thus preserving their representative position in history.
Through this accomplishment, Italy is now among the teams that have already secured their passage to the 2026 tournament, such as hosts India and Sri Lanka. Cricket is on the rise in places where it has not been known before, and the success of Italy is the best proof of the sport’s greater worldwide influence.