Why trust VPN Guider
In search of where to watch Ireland live during the T20 World Cup 2026? This guide covers match results, official broadcasters, and a deep dive into using a VPN to stream every game from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re following the “Men in Green” on your TV, laptop, or mobile device, here is everything you need.
Ireland is currently battling in Group B, a pool that has already seen high drama in the subcontinental conditions of Sri Lanka.
| Match | Date | Venue | Result / Status |
| vs Sri Lanka | Feb 8, 2026 | R. Premadasa, Colombo | Sri Lanka won by 20 runs |
| vs Australia | Feb 11, 2026 | R. Premadasa, Colombo | Upcoming (3:00 PM IST) |
| vs Oman | Feb 14, 2026 | SSC Ground, Colombo | Upcoming (11:00 AM IST) |
| vs Zimbabwe | Feb 17, 2026 | Pallekele, Kandy | Upcoming (3:00 PM IST) |
Tournament Update: Ireland faced a tough start against co-hosts Sri Lanka, falling short by 20 runs. Despite a spirited 40 from Harry Tector, the Irish middle order struggled against the spin of Hasaranga and Theekshana. Ireland now faces a “must-win” scenario against a depleted, injury-hit Australian side.
Ireland has brought a highly experienced squad to the 2026 tournament, with 12 of the 15 players having featured in the previous edition.
Paul Stirling (Captain): The heart of the Irish batting order. His ability to dominate the powerplay is essential if Ireland is to chase down or set big totals in Colombo.
Harry Tector: Following a top-score of 40 in the opening game, Tector is in prime form. His ability to rotate strike and anchor the middle order makes him Ireland’s most consistent run-scorer.
Josh Little: A left-arm pace sensation with global franchise experience. His high-velocity spells and ability to swing the ball early are Ireland’s best weapons against top-tier openers.
Curtis Campher: The ultimate big-game all-rounder. Campher’s knack for breaking partnerships and his aggressive lower-order hitting often turn matches in Ireland’s favor.
Mark Adair: Known for his clever variations and “slower balls” that proved effective even on the spinning tracks of Colombo in the first match.
Accessing the World Cup requires the right setup. Here is a detailed breakdown of how to watch Ireland in your region:
Sky Sports remains the ultimate home for cricket fans in the British Isles, offering the most comprehensive coverage available.
The Best Experience: Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event provide every ball in stunning 4K Ultra HD. Their broadcast includes a world-class commentary team featuring Eoin Morgan, Nasser Hussain, and Michael Atherton, providing deep tactical analysis specific to Ireland’s progress.
For On-the-Go (Sky Go): If you are an existing Sky TV satellite or cable subscriber, the Sky Go app is included at no extra cost. This allows you to stream matches on your phone, tablet, or laptop while at work or traveling within the UK/Ireland. It also features a “Catch Up” section where you can watch full-match replays if you missed the early morning start times.
No Contract Option (NOW): For those without a permanent satellite dish, NOW (formerly NOW TV) is the most flexible digital option. You can purchase a Sports Day Membership (approx. £14.99) for a specific high-stakes match or a Sports Month Membership (approx. £34.99) which covers the entire duration of the World Cup. This is a purely digital service that works seamlessly on Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
Cricket’s growing footprint in Europe means more dedicated local coverage for fans across the continent.
Italy (Sky Italia): With Italy participating in their first-ever T20 World Cup, Sky Italia has secured the rights to broadcast every Italy match, along with the tournament’s semi-finals and the final. Fans in Italy can stream the action via the Sky Go app or NOW (Italy), which offers a dedicated sports pass for European viewers.
Netherlands (NOS): The Dutch national broadcaster, NOS, is officially streaming all Netherlands matches live for free on their digital platforms. For other high-profile games like Ireland’s fixtures, Dutch fans often rely on YuppTV, which serves as the primary digital partner for much of Continental Europe.
Rest of Europe (YuppTV & ICC.tv): In countries like Germany, France, and Spain, YuppTV provides a dedicated “Cricket Pack” for the World Cup. Alternatively, in territories without a major TV deal, ICC.tv offers a tournament pass that allows you to stream every match live with professional English commentary.
Willow TV remains the definitive home for North American cricket fans, and their 2026 coverage is their most extensive yet.
Comprehensive Coverage: Willow by Cricbuzz carries all 55 matches live and in High Definition. You can subscribe directly through their app or website for roughly $9.99/month. This gives you access to English and Hindi commentary feeds for every Ireland fixture.
Sling TV Integration: Many users in the US prefer Sling TV because it bundles Willow with other South Asian entertainment. Packages like “Desi Binge Plus” or “World Sports” often start at just $10/month for new users. A significant advantage of Sling is the 50 hours of free DVR storage, which is perfect for recording Ireland’s games, many of which air at 4:30 AM ET in North America.
The Global Failsafe: In over 80 “non-broadcast” territories—including parts of the Pacific Islands and South East Asia—the ICC provides its own dedicated streaming platform, ICC.tv.
Free Access: In these specific regions, the live stream is typically free-to-air after you register for a basic account. This is the official and legal way to watch the tournament in countries where no major local TV network purchased the broadcasting rights. It is the most accessible way to ensure you don’t miss any of the Associate nations’ clashes.
Streaming services use geo-blocking to ensure their content is only viewed in authorized countries. For instance, if you are an Irish fan on holiday in Spain, your Sky Go app will detect your Spanish IP address and block the stream. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a professional privacy tool that masks your physical location and makes it appear as if you are still at home.
NordVPN (Overall Best): NordVPN is our top pick for 2026 due to its NordLynx protocol, which ensures almost zero speed loss during 4K streaming. It features over 6,000 servers globally, including dedicated locations in Dublin and London specifically optimized for bypassing Sky Go’s tough filters.
ExpressVPN (Most Reliable): Known for its “Lightway” protocol, ExpressVPN is incredibly consistent at unblocking Willow TV and ICC.tv. It has a presence in 105 countries, making it the most versatile choice for fans traveling in remote areas with restrictive internet.
Surfshark (Best Value): If you want to share your account with friends or family, Surfshark is unbeatable. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can watch on your phone while your family watches on the TV at home.
Subscribe to a Premium VPN: Avoid “free” VPNs—they often have data caps that run out in minutes and are easily blocked by major broadcasters.
Install the Software: Download the app on your smartphone, laptop, or even your Smart TV.
Choose Your Virtual Location:
To use Sky Go or NOW, connect to a server in Dublin or London.
To use Willow TV, connect to a server in New York or Toronto.
To use the Free ICC.tv stream, connect to a server in Japan or Spain.
Launch Your Stream: Once the VPN connection is active, open your chosen streaming app. The service will now see your new IP address and grant you full access to the live Irish broadcast.
What is the minimum internet speed required to stream in HD?
For a stable 1080p HD stream, you need a minimum of 5 Mbps. If you want to watch in 4K Ultra HD without buffering, we recommend a connection of at least 25 Mbps.
What percentage of speed do VPNs usually lose?
Premium VPNs like NordVPN typically lose less than 5-10% of your base speed. However, free VPNs can slow your connection down by 50% or more, which often leads to constant buffering during live sports.
What is the probability of Ireland winning against Australia?
Current betting markets give Ireland approximately a 9% to 12% chance of an upset. While Australia are heavy favorites, their recent injury struggles and the spin-friendly Colombo tracks could increase Ireland’s chances.
Can I watch Ireland for free on ICC.tv in Ireland?
No, ICC.tv free streams are blocked in Ireland because Sky Sports holds exclusive rights. You would need to use a VPN to connect to a server in a “non-broadcast” country (like Italy or Japan) to access the free stream.
With Ireland facing a do-or-die clash against Australia, every ball matters. Ensure your streaming account and VPN are tested and ready at least 15 minutes before the toss to avoid any last-minute technical hurdles.
