2027 Cricket World Cup host venues announced: Full list across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday unveiled the 12 host venues for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, confirming eight cities in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia as co-hosts of the tournament.

The host cities were announced during a ceremony in Johannesburg, with the 50-over showpiece set to return to Africa for the first time in 24 years. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will jointly stage the tournament under the theme 'Three Nations, One Heartbeat', celebrating the region's diversity, optimism and sense of community.

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The tournament will feature 14 teams and 57 matches, with a revamped three-stage competition format designed to increase competitiveness and enhance the fan experience.

South Africa will host matches at Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), Centurion (Tshwane), Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town), Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban), St George's Park (Gqeberha), Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein), Boland Park (Paarl) and Buffalo Park (KuGompo City, formerly East London).

Zimbabwe's venues are Harare Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo) and Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium (Victoria Falls), while Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek will stage matches in the neighbouring country.

The last Men's Cricket World Cup held in Africa was in 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya jointly hosted the eighth edition.

The tournament branding embraces the African philosophy of 'Ubuntu', meaning "I am, because we are", reflecting compassion, kindness and human connection. It also aligns with the event's 'Make the Circle Bigger' philosophy, celebrating the region's cultural diversity, 29 officially recognised languages and shared identity.

"This marks an exciting milestone on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027," ICC Chairman Jay Shah said.

"The unveiling of the host cities and the tournament brand signals the start of a journey that will unite fans around the world and build anticipation for one of our sport’s biggest global events.

"The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket. We are confident that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event, showcasing the warmth, passion and rich diversity that make this region truly unique."

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said the tournament would extend beyond cricket and celebrate the continent itself.

"The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup represents the legacy and spectacle of Limited Overs Cricket.

"It also marks the return of the pinnacle event to Africa after more than two decades and will celebrate a continent defined by extraordinary people, vibrant cultures, breathtaking experiences and deep love for Sport.

"The vibrant brand unveiled today reflects the energy, ambition and spirit of the event, while every host city offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and diversity that make Africa truly memorable.

"Combined with the meaning delivered by the growth of the game and inspiration for new generations of fans, the event will assume regional and global significance."

The launch ceremony was attended by South African greats Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada, alongside Zimbabwe's Hamilton Masakadza and Namibia's Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren.

The tournament's visual identity is inspired by the African wire bowl and incorporates colours including Zimbabwe Chilli, African Root, Fynbos Pop, Namib Dune, Harare Dawn and Two Oceans.

The new competition format will begin with a Super Series involving the teams ranked 12th to 14th, with the winner advancing to the next stage. That will be followed by a 30-match group phase featuring 12 teams split into two groups of six.

The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across the two groups, will progress to the Super 7 stage, where 21 round-robin matches will determine the four semi-finalists. The top-ranked team in the Super 7 will face the fourth-placed side in one semi-final, while the second and third-placed teams will meet in the other.