The ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 has officially begun today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, with the highly anticipated opening match featuring India against the United States of America. The game is being played in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, one of the host nations alongside Namibia. India's captain, Ayush Mhatre, won the toss and, as reported, opted to bowl first, setting the stage for an exciting contest under cloudy skies. India enters the tournament as strong contenders, aiming to secure a record-extending sixth U19 World Cup trophy. The team is led by Ayush Mhatre and includes promising talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is under significant spotlight given his recent form and reputation as a destructive batter. Suryavanshi has already made waves in youth cricket, including scoring a rapid 96 in a warm-up game and having a strong showing in the U19 Asia Cup. This 16th edition of the biennial tournament features 16 teams vying for the junior world title, with the final scheduled for February 6. India is placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the USA. The Indian squad is well-rounded, boasting strong batting resources and diverse bowling options, making them well-equipped for various match situations. Australia are the defending champions, having defeated India in the 2024 final. The match against the USA is seen as a crucial first step for India in their quest to reclaim the championship.