The Rugby League World Cup 2026 is set to be a landmark event, featuring three tournaments, 14 nations, 26 teams, and a total of 53 matches over 31 exhilarating days. This highly anticipated competition will take place in October and November across three countries and nine host cities.
The official draw for this year’s tournament was announced recently, revealing the competition structure for the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair events. The prestigious finals for the Men’s and Women’s tournaments will be held at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15, while 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 excitement about the upcoming tournament, highlighting the impressive momentum gained from record-breaking NRL seasons, a thrilling Ashes series, and a highly competitive Pacific Championships. “Representing your country is the ultimate honor, and doing so in a World Cup is the ultimate stage,” V’landys said, predicting that the event will showcase unprecedented talent, skill, and emotion.
Echoing this sentiment, Troy Grant, Chairman of the International Rugby League (IRL), emphasized that the international game is experiencing unprecedented competitiveness, with numerous superstars ready to light up the tournament. He noted that the Rugby League World Cup is an unparalleled platform for displaying national pride and athleticism, promising fans a spectacle unlike any other.
Tickets for the highly anticipated matches are now available, with prices starting at AUD $19 (approximately US $12.27) for adults and AUD $49 (around US $31.66) for families for the Group stage and Semi-Final matches. Tickets for the final at Suncorp Stadium start from AUD $39 (about US $25.20) for adults and AUD $109 (approximately US $70.43) for families.
The 10-team Men’s tournament will consist of one pool of four and two pools of three nations. Group A features Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, while Group B includes England, Samoa, and Lebanon, and Group C consists of Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and France. The opening match will feature a highly anticipated clash between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on October 15.
Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments add to the excitement, with the Women’s event kicking off on October 16 with a match between the Australian Jillaroos and Samoa. The Wheelchair tournament will be exclusively held at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre, featuring teams such as England, France, and Australia.
The upcoming Rugby League World Cup promises to be an exhilarating showcase of international talent, bringing together nations and fans in a celebration of sport and competition. It marks a significant moment for Rugby League, highlighting its growing popularity and the commitment to delivering an extraordinary global event.