Australia’s group stage exit from the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-20 World Cup puts them in serious danger of missing out on a place at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Only six teams will participate in the men’s T20 competition at LA 2028, with the continental qualification system determining the final line-up.
Qualification is expected to be based on the ICC’s ranking at the end of this World Cup and subject to final approval by the International Olympic Committee.
Australia entered the tournament comfortably ahead of New Zealand in the rankings. However, their early elimination opened the door for New Zealand to overtake them and potentially seal a spot at the Olympics.
According to the team rankings, New Zealand can secure automatic Olympic qualification if they reach the semi-finals or advance further. The Black Caps have a strong record at global events, reaching at least the semi-finals in 2007, 2016, 2021 and 2022.
If New Zealand overtakes Australia in the rankings, Australia will move into a separate qualifying tournament with the other regional teams in second place for the final Olympic berth.
Failure to qualify would be a significant setback for Cricket Australia, which has advocated for cricket’s return to the Olympic program for years.
Cricket will be introduced at the Olympics the first time since 1900 that it has been played in Los Angeles. Back in 2007, Cricket Australia commissioned a report on the value of Olympic participation in the T20 format with the aim of pushing for its inclusion.
The sport is also slated to be part of the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane. India remains a potential host for the 2036 edition.
Phillip Pope, the author of the 2007 report, said those who had worked for two decades to secure cricket’s return to the Olympics would see the failure to qualify as mismanagement of the highest order. Several senior players have publicly stated their desire to represent Australia at the Olympics.
Steve Smith recently said that his main goal was to be part of the team when the Olympics were held, and described the opportunity as special. Captain Pat Cummins also spoke of the prestige associated with competing at the Games.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 18, 2026