The upcoming Rugby League World Cup 2026 is set to be a monumental event featuring an extensive competition that spans three countries and nine host cities. With three tournaments, including Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair competitions, the month-long event will involve 26 teams playing a total of 53 matches.
The draw for the tournaments was announced, highlighting the competition’s structure scheduled to commence in October and conclude in November 2026. The Men’s and Women’s tournaments will culminate in finals held at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on November 15, while the Wheelchair Final is set for November 13 at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre.
Peter V’landys AM, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League (ARLC), expressed excitement about the timing of the tournament, which follows a record-breaking season for both the National Rugby League (NRL) and NRL Women’s league, in addition to a successful Ashes series and the thrilling Pacific Championships. He stated that the tournament represents the pinnacle of rugby league, showcasing unmatched skill and passion from players worldwide.
International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman, Troy Grant, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the tournament will highlight the increasing competitiveness of international rugby league, with star athletes ready to give their all for their countries, promising an electrifying atmosphere both on the field and in the stands.
Ticket sales for the matches are now live, with prices starting as low as AUD$19 (approximately US$12.27) for adults and AUD$49 (around US$31.66) for families during the group stages. For the finals at Suncorp Stadium, tickets start from AUD$39 (US$25.20) for adults and AUD$109 (US$70.43) for families.
In the Men’s tournament, there will be 10 teams divided into pools. Group A features Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, while Group B includes England, Samoa, and Lebanon, and Group C contains Tonga, PNG, and France. The tournament will kick off on October 15 at Allianz Stadium with a highly anticipated opening match between Australia and New Zealand.
The Women’s tournament consists of eight teams split into two groups, with Group A featuring Australia, England, Samoa, and Wales, while Group B includes New Zealand, PNG, France, and Fiji. Their tournament will start on October 16 with a match between Australia and Samoa.
The Wheelchair tournament, also eagerly awaited, will see eight teams, with all matches played at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
As rugby league’s popularity soars globally, the 2026 World Cup is positioned to be the largest and most significant showcase of the sport to date, promising excitement and drama while drawing in passionate fans from around the world. This international event not only celebrates talent and athleticism but also unites fans across nations, creating a collective spirit of sport and camaraderie.
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