T20 World Cup 2026: 3 strong teams on the brink of disqualification

After 25 league games in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and with 15 matches still to be played before the Super Eight stage, several strong contenders find themselves on the brink of disqualification. Pre-tournament hype for these teams was immense, especially at sub-continent venues, but the reality has been different.

In the lead-up to this edition, high-scoring games had become common in bilateral cricket. However, global tournaments bring a different mindset. As a result, past heroics haven’t brought the necessary results. 

Here are 3 strong teams on the brink of disqualification in T20 World Cup 2026

3. USA

The USA is right on the edge of elimination. After three matches in Group A, they have one win and two defeats, sitting on two points with a positive net run rate of 0.533.

They began by pushing India hard, reducing them to 46 for 4, but eventually lost by 29 runs after Suryakumar Yadav produced a masterclass of an innings. Against Pakistan, they fell short again, losing by 32 runs despite a half-century from Shubham Ranjane. 

Their only win came against the Netherlands, a 93-run victory that showed their potential. The USA now face Namibia in their last league game. Even a win over Namibia might keep them alive mathematically, but not a confirmed place in the Super Eight.