The Rugby League World Cup 2026 is poised to be a groundbreaking event, featuring a trio of tournaments encompassing 14 nations and 26 teams, with a total of 53 matches set to unfold over an exhilarating 31 days. Scheduled for October and November, this prestigious competition will span three countries and nine host cities.
Recently, the official draw was released, outlining the structure for the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair events. The finals for the Men’s and Women’s tournaments are slated to take place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15. Meanwhile, Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre will host the Wheelchair Final on Friday, November 13.
Peter V’landys AM, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League (ARLC), expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, citing the momentum generated from record-breaking NRL seasons, an electrifying Ashes series, and a fiercely contested Pacific Championships. “Representing your country is the ultimate honor, and doing so in a World Cup is the ultimate stage,” V’landys remarked, predicting a showcase of unparalleled talent, skill, and emotion.
Troy Grant, Chairman of the International Rugby League (IRL), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of international rugby league. He acknowledged the array of superstars poised to make their mark during the tournament, emphasizing that the Rugby League World Cup serves as a distinctive platform for showcasing national pride and athletic prowess, promising fans an unforgettable spectacle.
Tickets for the highly awaited matches are now on sale, starting at AUD $19 (approximately US $12.27) for adults and AUD $49 (around US $31.66) for families during the Group stage and Semi-Final matches. For the final at Suncorp Stadium, ticket prices begin at AUD $39 (about US $25.20) for adults and AUD $109 (approximately US $70.43) for families.
The Men’s tournament will feature ten teams organized into one pool of four and two pools of three. Group A brings together Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, while Group B consists of England, Samoa, and Lebanon, and Group C includes Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and France. The opening match is set to capture fans’ attention with a thrilling showdown between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
With the Women’s tournament commencing on October 16, featuring a match between the Australian Jillaroos and Samoa, and the Wheelchair competition uniquely hosted at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre with teams including England, France, and Australia, anticipation continues to build.
The Rugby League World Cup 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of international talent, unifying nations and fans alike in an exhilarating display of sport and competition. This event marks a pivotal moment for Rugby League, underlining its growing popularity and the commitment to hosting an extraordinary global event. The excitement surrounding this World Cup reflects the sport’s increasing reach and the unity it fosters among diverse cultures and communities.