The primary objective for every team in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is to secure a top-two finish within their respective groups. For this expanded edition, 12 teams are divided into two groups of six. The top two teams from each group will progress directly to the semi-finals, followed by the final. Consistently placing at the top of the table is the only guaranteed path to progress through the group stage toward the knockout phase.
The points system for the tournament is designed to be straightforward. A team earns 2 points for a victory, while a loss results in 0 points. In the event of a "No Result" or an abandoned match due to weather, both competing teams are awarded 1 point each. For matches that end in a tie, a Super Over is played to determine the winner, ensuring a result is reached.
In situations where two or more teams finish the group stage with an equal number of points, Net Run Rate (NRR) serves as the primary tie-breaker. The team with the superior NRR will be ranked higher, determining who advances to the semi-finals at The Oval and who is eliminated.