Australia

Australia at CWC 2027

The defending champions are in Group A with India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, co-hosts Zimbabwe and a qualifier still to be decided. Their campaign begins with the tournament’s opening group match, a repeat of the 2023 final against India.

Date	Opponent	Venue	Start (local)
Thu 7 Oct	India	Newlands, Cape Town	10:00
Tue 12 Oct	Group A qualifier (TBC)	Boland Park, Paarl	10:00
Fri 15 Oct	Zimbabwe	Harare Sports Club	12:30 (day/night)
Mon 18 Oct	Afghanistan	Buffalo Park, KuGompo City (East London)	10:00
Fri 22 Oct	Pakistan	Boland Park, Paarl	10:00

The opener in Cape Town is the obvious headline, but the day/night game against the co-hosts in Harare should have a lively atmosphere, and the meeting with Afghanistan in East London carries an edge after their memorable contest at the 2023 tournament. The group closes with Pakistan in the Winelands at Paarl.

World Cup history

No side comes close to Australia’s record. They have won the title six times: 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023, including three in a row between 1999 and 2007. The 2003 triumph came in southern Africa, with victory over India in the final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, so this region holds good memories. They have also been runners-up twice, in 1975 and 1996. Australia arrive as holders, and history suggests they tend to peak in the knockout rounds.

Conditions in southern Africa

South African pitches, particularly on the Highveld, have often been compared with Australian ones for pace and carry, so there should be few surprises for a team raised on hard, bouncy surfaces. Their group fixtures, though, lean towards the Western Cape and Eastern Cape coast plus Harare, rather than the high-altitude Highveld grounds, and slower surfaces or coastal wind could ask different questions. If they progress, venues such as the Wanderers and Centurion, where thin air helps the ball fly, may well come into play.

Travelling fans

Australian supporters have the shortest trip of any major travelling contingent outside Africa. Direct flights between Australia and Johannesburg have operated from both Sydney and Perth; check current schedules, as routes and frequencies change. Alternatives run through Gulf hubs or via Asia.

During October the host nations (UTC+2) are nine hours behind Australian Eastern Daylight Time and six behind Perth, so a 10:00 start in Cape Town is 19:00 in Sydney.

Requirements for entering South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are set separately, so check each government’s official immigration site before travelling. Start with our visa guide and see the tickets guide for sales information.