West Indies will have to contest the qualifying tournament to secure a place at the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup after falling out of contention for automatic qualification.
The two-time champions are ranked 10th and cannot break into the qualifying positions before the September 30 cut-off. Even victories in their two remaining One-Day Internationals against India would not be enough.
Afghanistan secured their automatic place following a thrilling win over Ireland in Belfast. They will join Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Bangladesh, along with hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.
West Indies and Ireland are expected to enter the World Cup Qualifier in February 2027 as the two lowest-ranked non-host Full Member teams. The tournament will also feature the top four sides from Cricket World Cup League 2 and four teams advancing from the World Cup Qualifier Playoff.
The Qualifier winner will progress directly to the World Cup’s second round. The teams finishing second, third and fourth will contest the first-round Super Series, with only the top side advancing.
West Indies faced a similar route ahead of the 2023 World Cup but finished fifth in the Super Six stage and missed the tournament for the first time. That failure also kept them out of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The host and full format for the February Qualifier are still to be announced.
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