Rugby League World Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Tournament in Australia & PNG
The roar of the crowd is set to return Down Under. In 2026, Australia and Papua New Guinea will host the most ambitious Rugby League World Cup ever staged, featuring the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments simultaneously over 31 electrifying days. Following the postponement of the 2025 event, RLWC2026 promises to be a festival of footy, showcasing 26 teams from 14 nations across 53 matches. For Aussie fans, it’s a golden chance to witness world-class rugby league on home soil and see if the Kangaroos can reclaim the trophy.
This isn’t just another tournament; it’s a landmark event for the sport’s global growth. With the opening match slated for Sydney and key games in PNG, the 2026 World Cup aims to capture the imagination of a nation and solidify rugby league’s place on the international stage. From the confirmed fixtures to the fierce battle for spots in the Kangaroos squad, the countdown is well and truly on.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup at a Glance
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RLWC2026 marks a significant evolution in the tournament’s format and scale. Modelled on the successful 2021 event in England, it will run three separate world cups concurrently, giving equal prominence to the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair athletes. The decision to host in Australia and Papua New Guinea follows France’s withdrawal from staging the 2025 event, bringing the action back to the sport’s heartland.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The tournament will feature 10 nations in the men’s competition, a streamlined format designed to ensure high-quality, competitive matches from the outset. The action will unfold across major stadiums in Australia and Papua New Guinea, culminating in what promises to be unforgettable finals. The official draw has been released, setting the stage for a month of epic clashes.
| Event | Key Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Host Nations | Australia & Papua New Guinea | First World Cup co-hosted with PNG. |
| Tournaments | Men’s, Women’s, Wheelchair | Held simultaneously over 31 days. |
| Total Matches | 53 | Across all three competitions. |
| Men’s Comp Nations | 10 | Includes qualified teams from Europe, Americas, and Asia-Pacific. |
| Opening Match | Australia vs New Zealand (Sydney) | A blockbuster start to the tournament. |
Confirmed Fixtures and Must-See Matches
The fixture list is packed with rivalry games and crucial pool matches that will define the tournament’s narrative. The opening game in Sydney, a classic Trans-Tasman showdown between the Kangaroos and the Kiwis, is set to light the fuse for a month of incredible football. Other highlight fixtures include England’s clashes and the pivotal matches that will decide who progresses to the knockout stages.
Venues across Australia’s eastern seaboard and in Papua New Guinea will share the hosting duties, bringing the World Cup to diverse communities and creating a unique atmosphere. From the cauldron of Suncorp Stadium to the historic Sydney Cricket Ground, fans will be treated to world-class action in iconic locations.
Qualification Pathway for 2026
The road to the 2026 World Cup has been underway for some time, with nations across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region battling for the remaining spots. Serbia, France, and others have been active in the European qualifiers, while the Pacific region’s representation is always fiercely contested.
| Qualification Region | Status / Key Teams | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Qualifiers ongoing; France, Serbia competing. | Final spots to be determined through 2025 tournaments. |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, NZ, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji expected. | Pacific Championships serve as key lead-in events. |
| Americas | USA and Canada vying for position. | Intense competition for limited berths. |
Kangaroos Squad Speculation: Who Will Make the Cut?
All eyes are on coach Mal Meninga as he pieces together the 24-man squad to defend Australia’s proud World Cup record. With a wealth of NRL talent at his disposal, selection headaches are inevitable. The spine, in particular, is a topic of hot debate, with several world-class players vying for key positions.
Projected Key Contenders for the Australian Squad
Based on current form and recent national team selections, a core group of players appears to be locked in, while several positions remain wide open for grabs. The balance between experienced campaigners and exciting new talent will be crucial for Meninga’s plans.
| Position | Likely Selections | Battling for a Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Fullback | Reece Walsh, Dylan Edwards | Kalyn Ponga |
| Halves | Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster | Mitchell Moses, Tom Dearden |
| Centres | Kotoni Staggs | Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax |
| Second Row / Lock | Isaah Yeo (candidate) | Payne Haas, Cameron Murray |
The selection battle will intensify throughout the 2025 NRL season, with players knowing every performance is under the microscope. Meninga has shown he is not afraid to make tough calls, as seen in recent squad announcements for the Pacific Championships.
How to Follow the Tournament and Get Tickets
With the tournament still over a year away, the best way for fans to stay informed is to register for official updates. The tournament organisers will release ticket sale information, venue details, and full match schedules through their official channels. Given the expected demand for matches involving the Kangaroos and other top nations, early registration is highly recommended to avoid missing out.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup represents more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the game’s past, present, and future. It’s a chance to see the world’s best players go head-to-head, to feel the unique passion of PNG’s fans, and to witness the next generation of stars announce themselves on the global stage. Mark your calendars and get ready for a football feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 Rugby League World Cup?
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The tournament runs over 31 days, with the opening match between Australia and New Zealand scheduled for Sydney in late 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed).
How many teams are in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup?
The men’s tournament will feature 10 national teams. In total, across the simultaneous men’s, women’s, and wheelchair world cups, there will be 26 teams from 14 different nations competing.
Who are the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
Australia, as hosts and reigning champions from 2017, will start as favourites. However, they will face fierce competition from traditional rivals New Zealand and England, as well as rising Pacific powers like Samoa and Tonga, who have significantly closed the gap in recent years.
How can I get tickets for the 2026 RLWC?
Full ticketing details have not yet been released. Fans are advised to register their interest on official tournament websites and with governing bodies like the NRL to receive the latest updates on ticket sales, packages, and schedules as soon as they are announced.