England have avoided defending champions Australia and top-ranked India in the group-stage draw for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
India and Pakistan are grouped together once again, alongside Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier.
England, the 2019 winners, find themselves in a group with co-hosts South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a qualifier.
Harry Brook’s side, enjoying a resurgence in the 50-over format, open their campaign against Bangladesh on 8 October before facing Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia.
They then meet South Africa in Gqeberha on 16 October before travelling to Harare to play a qualifier on 20 October. England conclude the group stage against New Zealand, again in Gqeberha, on 23 October.
The visit to Zimbabwe is significant, marking England’s first match there since 2004.
Political unrest under former president Robert Mugabe complicated England’s men’s team fixtures throughout the 2000s.
England boycotted their 2003 World Cup fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare, a decision that ultimately derailed their campaign.
Relations have improved in recent years, however, and BBC Sport reported in 2025 that the two cricket boards were discussing a potential England tour in the next international cycle between 2027 and 2031.
After three matches to decide the final two qualifiers, the tournament opens with a repeat of the 2023 final as India face Australia in Cape Town on 7 October.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who only meet in multi-nation tournaments, clash in Johannesburg on 10 October.
The top three teams from each group, plus the best fourth-placed finisher, advance to the Super 7 stage.
From there, the top four qualify for the semi-finals on 17 and 18 November, ahead of the final on 21 November in Johannesburg.