England will return to Zimbabwe for the first time in more than two decades when they face a qualifier in Harare during the group stage of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Harry Brook’s side has been drawn alongside co-hosts, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a qualifier, avoiding defending champions Australia and world number one India in the group stage.
England began their campaign against Bangladesh in Windhoek, Namibia, on October 8 before facing Sri Lanka at the same venue on October 13.
They will then meet South Africa in Gqeberha on October 16 before travelling to Harare for their October 20 encounter against a qualifier.
Their final group match will be against New Zealand in Gqeberha on October 23.
The Harare fixture will be England’s first men’s international cricket match in Zimbabwe since 2004.
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England’s last World Cup appearance in Zimbabwe came in 2003, when they boycotted their scheduled match against Zimbabwe in Harare amid political concerns surrounding the country at the time.
The decision contributed to England losing points, and their campaign ended during the group stage.
Relations between the two cricket boards have since improved, with discussions reported in 2025 over a possible England tour of Zimbabwe during the 2027 to 2031 international cricket cycle.
The 2027 World Cup opens on October 7 with India facing Australia in Cape Town in a repeat of the 2023 final.
India and Pakistan will meet in Johannesburg on October 10.
The top three teams from each group, together with the best fourth placed side, will advance to the Super 7 stage.
The semi-finals are scheduled for November 17 and 18, with the final set for Johannesburg on November 21.
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