International Rugby League World Cup 2026 Announced

The International Rugby League (IRL) has unveiled its plans for the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) 2026, promising to be the most significant international event in the sport’s history. Troy Grant, Chair of the IRL, stated that this edition will be the “biggest global showcase the game has seen.” The draw for the tournaments in the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair categories has been revealed, heightening anticipation for this landmark event.

Tournament Overview

Set to occur from October 15 to November 15, 2026, the RLWC will feature:

• 26 teams from 14 different nations
• 53 matches over a span of 31 days
• Games played across nine host cities in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea

Key Matches and Structure

The tournament will kick off at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium with a high-stakes opening match between Australia, the reigning champions of the 2025 Ashes Series, and New Zealand, the 2025 Pacific Cup winners. Other notable fixtures will include:

• England versus Tonga on October 17 at Perth’s HBF Park.
• A showdown between Tonga and Samoa on November 1 at CommBank Stadium.
• Toa Samoa will face the Kumuls in what is expected to be a historic match in Port Moresby.
• England will also face France during the group stages on October 24 and Papua New Guinea on October 30 at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

Women’s and Wheelchair Competitions

Alongside the Men’s tournament, the Women’s section will feature eight teams split into two groups. Current World champions, England Women, will compete against Wales, Samoa, and Australia.

The Wheelchair tournament, held entirely at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre, will also comprise eight teams divided into two groups, where England Wheelchair aims to defend their title against teams like Ireland, Wales, and the USA.

Excitement and Potential

Troy Grant emphasized the exceptional talent expected to be displayed: “International Rugby League has never been more competitive, and there will be genuine superstars across all groups and stages in this tournament.” He further added that the event promises unmatched passion and intensity both on the field and among fans.

Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), reiterated that the upcoming tournament is timed perfectly with the sport’s growing popularity, marked by record-breaking NRL and NRLW seasons. He commented, “This will be the best and most successful Rugby League World Cup on record.”

Men’s Tournament Groups

The Men’s tournament will consist of a total of ten teams divided as follows:

Group A

• Australia (1)
• New Zealand (2)
• Fiji (7)
• Cook Islands (9)

Group B

• England (3)
• Samoa (4)
• Lebanon (21)

Group C

• Tonga (5)
• Papua New Guinea (6)
• France (8)

Women’s Tournament Groups

Group A

• Australia (1)
• England (3)
• Samoa (5)
• Wales (7)

Group B

• New Zealand (2)
• France (4)
• Papua New Guinea (6)
• Fiji (10)

Wheelchair Tournament Groups

Group A

• England (1)
• Ireland (3)
• Wales (5)
• USA (7)

Group B

• France (2)
• Australia (4)
• Scotland (6)
• New Zealand (9)

Conclusion

With the structure and matchups set, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 is gearing up to make history as it brings together nations and fans in a grand display of skill and passion. For further updates and ticket sales, visit the official Rugby League World Cup website.