ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup Warm-up Matches (England) 2025/26

The ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup Warm-up Matches serve as a preparatory phase for the main tournament rather than a standalone contest. Organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), these fixtures provide participating nations with an opportunity to acclimatise before the group stage begins. The initiative has been a standard element of the schedule since at least 2008, ensuring teams have sufficient time to adjust to local conditions.

Unlike the main event, which features 20 teams divided into four groups, the warm-up series involves all participating squads playing two bilateral matches each. These games are strictly informal practice sessions with no standings, points, or elimination stakes attached. The primary objective is to allow players to settle into the rhythm of competitive cricket without the pressure of immediate results.

Historically, India Under-19s have dominated these preparatory encounters, frequently winning by significant margins. One notable instance occurred in 2016, when India secured a 372-run victory over Canada. Such performances highlight the disparity in form between the eventual champions and their opponents during this preliminary window.

Other teams have also produced memorable individual performances during this period. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates Under-19s posted a total of 382/6 against Japan, showcasing high-scoring potential outside the formal tournament structure. These warm-up sessions remain distinct from the main competition, offering a low-stakes environment for tactical experimentation and fitness management ahead of the biennial championship.