The National Rugby League (NRL) has unveiled the draw for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, confirming the pools for the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions. Scheduled to take place across three countries and nine host cities, the tournament promises to be the most competitive and ambitious edition yet, featuring 14 nations, 26 teams, and 53 matches over 31 days.
The announcement highlighted that Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the finals for both the men’s and women’s tournaments on Sunday, November 15, while Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre will host the wheelchair final on Friday, November 13. The tournament is set to kick off in October 2026, with the opening match featuring a heavyweight clash between the top two world-ranked teams, Australia’s Kangaroos and New Zealand’s Kiwis, at Allianz Stadium on Thursday, October 15.
Setting the Stage for an Unprecedented Tournament
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) boss Peter V’landys expressed his excitement, noting that the timing of the World Cup is ideal given the current health of the game. “Rugby League World Cup 2026 couldn’t come at a better time on the back of record-breaking NRL and NRLW seasons, a successful Ashes series, and the most exciting Pacific Championships ever,” he stated.
V’landys emphasized the significance of representing one’s country on the world stage, describing it as the ultimate honor. “The talent, skill, physicality, passion, and raw emotion on display will be something like we have never seen before. This will be the best and most successful Rugby League World Cup on record,” he added.
International Competition and Rising Popularity
International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman Troy Grant highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the international game. “International Rugby League has never been more competitive and there will be genuine superstars across all groups and stages in this tournament,” he remarked.
“With the popularity of Rugby League soaring to unprecedented heights, the international game is riding a wave of momentum into what will be the biggest global showcase the game has seen across the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair formats next October and November.”
Men’s Tournament: A Clash of Titans
The men’s tournament will feature ten teams divided into three groups, with Group A consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. Group B includes England, Samoa, and Lebanon, while Group C comprises Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and France. The tournament will see Group A teams playing each other, while Group B and C teams will face off against teams from the adjacent group.
The opening weekend promises thrilling encounters, with England set to face Tonga at Perth’s HBF Park on Saturday, October 17. The group stage will culminate in a highly anticipated match between Pacific giants Tonga and Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 1.
Women’s Tournament: Showcasing Global Talent
The women’s tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Australia, England, Samoa, and Wales, while Group B features New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, France, and Fiji. The Australian Jillaroos will kick off the tournament against Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Friday, October 16.
Each team will play three matches within their group, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals. Matches will be hosted across various cities, including Sydney, Port Moresby, and Christchurch, with double-header semi-finals set to take place at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
Wheelchair Tournament: Expanding the Game’s Reach
The wheelchair tournament, featuring eight teams, will be played entirely at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre. Group A comprises England, Ireland, Wales, and the USA, while Group B includes France, Australia, Scotland, and New Zealand. The opening match will coincide with a men’s and women’s double header at WIN Stadium on October 30.
The wheelchair format continues to grow in popularity, providing an inclusive platform for showcasing the sport’s adaptability and appeal to a broader audience.
Looking Ahead: A Global Celebration of Rugby League
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup represents a significant milestone in the sport’s history, offering a platform for nations to showcase their talent and compete for international glory. With the tournament set to captivate audiences worldwide, it promises to be a celebration of rugby league’s rich heritage and its exciting future.
As anticipation builds, fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting what is set to be an unforgettable tournament, marked by fierce competition, passionate displays, and the crowning of new champions on the world stage.
