U19 Men’s World Cup 2026 qualification continues as Samoa host East Asia-Pacific hopefuls

Qualification for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 rumbles on this week with the attention turning to Samoa as East Asia-Pacific hopefuls look to secure safe passage through to the next phase on the road to Zimbabwe and Namibia.

With Division 2 Qualifiers having concluded already in Asia, and more recently in Europe, and with the ongoing competition in Africa, Samoa is the latest nation set to host an event on the qualification calendar, where they will welcome Indonesia, PNG, and Vanuatu for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier from Tuesday.

Two grounds at Garden Ovals, Apia will host the action during the week, comprising a round-robin set of fixtures between all the competing teams before the top two will battle it out in Saturday’s final.

At stake for teams will be a solitary spot in the next round of qualification, where the winning side in Samoa will move a step closer to a World Cup spot, and join Japan and Fiji in next year’s EAP Qualifier, scheduled for Japan in April.

Toby Cohen, Acting ICC Regional Development Manager, East Asia-Pacific said: “I am thrilled to welcome to Samoa the emerging U19 men’s players from across the East Asia-Pacific region, all aiming to gain a place in Japan on the road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2026.

“Each team has been training hard and is ready to give it their all to compete at the highest level. I would like to wish Samoa, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu all the very best for the event, and extend my sincere thanks to Samoa Cricket for hosting what will no doubt be an incredible celebration of international cricket in Samoa.”

Salā Stella Siale-Vaea, CEO of Samoa Cricket added: “Hosting the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Sub Regional Qualifier A is a monumental achievement for Samoa Cricket.

“It showcases our capability to host international competitions and provides an incredible opportunity to inspire our local athletes, boost our economy, and promote Samoa on the global stage.

“These events will elevate the standard of cricket in Samoa, foster community spirit, and bring international recognition to our beautiful nation. We are proud to welcome the cricketing world to our shores."

Match Schedule

All matches to start at 9:30am local time (West Samoa Time) at the Garden Ovals, Apia

Tuesday 6 August

Samoa v Vanuatu

Indonesia v PNG

Wednesday 7 August

Samoa v Indonesia

PNG v Vanuatu

Friday 9 August

Samoa v PNG

Vanuatu v Indonesia

Saturday 10 August

Final (1^st v 2^nd)

Third-place playoff (3^rd v 4^th)