By Zainab Shafiq 
In a dramatic turn of events at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier, Italy in World Cup contention became a historic reality. Despite suffering a heavy nine-wicket defeat to the Netherlands on the final day, Italy secured qualification for the global showpiece, marking their maiden appearance in an ICC World Cup event.
The qualification scenario took an unexpected twist earlier in the day when Jersey stunned Scotland in a surprise upset, eliminating the Scots and clearing Italy’s path to the tournament. That result ensured Italy finished among the top two teams in the standings, rendering their own final match result irrelevant.
From Football Powerhouse to Cricket Contender
Italy, known globally for its football pedigree, will now be represented on a very different field. With this development, the Italian cricket team in World Cup headlines have become an unexpected but welcome shift for the country’s sporting identity.
The team’s success stems from a core of dual-nationality players—mostly from Australia and England, many with Italian heritage. Led by former Australia Test opener Joe Burns, who qualifies through his Calabrian roots, the side defeated Scotland by 12 runs earlier in the week in what proved to be the pivotal result of their campaign.
Burns, speaking to the media after qualification, called the moment “surreal” and emphasized the importance of building something for Italy’s cricket future. His leadership role has been central to uniting players under a common identity, despite Italy’s lack of cricket infrastructure, including no turf pitches nationwide.
Resource Gaps Didn’t Derail Dream
Without turf facilities or a domestic cricket culture, Italy’s campaign was built on tactical preparation and belief. A short training camp in Rome ahead of the tournament allowed players to align strategies and form team chemistry. Joe’s statements read:
“It’s still very surreal… It was an emotional moment that we’re going to try and reflect on as a group as much as we can over the next few months.”
“When you play for Australia, there’s such a history to the baggy green… When you’re playing for Italy, it’s very much a blank canvas, trying to shape the future.”
“We don’t have any turf facilities, and very little facilities in general, but this gives us an opportunity to develop the game.”
“I told the guys that I don’t care if we’re playing Luxembourg in the sub-regional qualifiers or India in a T20 World Cup final… I want our team to be the most prepared team in world cricket for every game that we play. People ask me what the goal for the World Cup is and I say, ‘Look, we’re planning and preparing to win every game – so we’re planning to win the World Cup.’”
“We’ve said briefly as a group that we want the big stage… If we do play Australia and I’m on the field, it’ll obviously be a very special occasion.”
“There are Italians dispersed all over the world, and I hope this team is a beacon for Italians everywhere.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Italian cricket team in World Cup fixtures may even include a potential clash with Australia.
Also, see:
Italy and Netherlands Secure Spots in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: A Historic First for Italy
Anas Ahmed