2026 Rugby League World Cup
October 15 – November 15 AEDT
The Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) is the pinnacle competition in international Rugby League. The 2026 edition will feature both the Men’s and Women’s competitions running concurrently, showcasing the sport’s greatest global talents and delivering an extraordinary event across the Pacific region.
When and Where is the 2026 Rugby League World Cup?
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will be held in Australia, co-hosted by New Zealand and Papua New Guinea (PNG). This tri-nation format will ensure a diverse and exciting atmosphere across the Pacific region for both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
The tournament will take place from 15th October to 15th November 2026.
Confirmed Host Nations:
- Australia (Primary Host)
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
Confirmed Venues and Stadiums:
| Host Nation | Venue Name | Location | Key Fixtures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium) | Brisbane, QLD | The Final |
| Australia | Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) | Sydney, NSW | Opening Match, Semi-Final |
| Australia | Western Sydney Stadium | Sydney, NSW | Group Matches |
| Australia | Newcastle International Sports Centre | Newcastle, NSW | Group Match, Semi-Final |
| Australia | Robina Stadium | Gold Coast, QLD | Group Match |
| Australia | North Queensland Stadium | Townsville, QLD | Group Match |
| Australia | Perth Rectangular Stadium | Perth, WA | Group Matches |
| Australia | Wollongong Showground | Wollongong, NSW | Group Match |
| New Zealand | Te Kaha Stadium | Christchurch | Group Match |
| Papua New Guinea | PNG Football Stadium | Port Moresby | Group Matches |
Tournament Format of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup
The format for both the Men’s and Women’s competitions is confirmed for the 2026 RLWC.
Dual Tournament Structure: The Men’s and Women’s competitions will run simultaneously. A key feature of the tournament will be double and triple-header matchdays where both men’s and women’s fixtures will be played at the same venue, maximizing the fan experience and visibility for both events.
Men’s Competition (10 Teams):
- Group Stage: 3 pools: one group of four teams (Pool A) and two groups of three nations (Pool B and C).
- Knockout Stage: The top two teams from Pool A and the winners of Pool B and Pool C advance to the Semi-Finals.
- Semi-Finals: Newcastle International Sports Centre and Sydney Football Stadium.
- Final: Lang Park, Brisbane.
Women’s Competition (8 Teams):
- Group Stage: 2 groups of 4 teams.
- Knockout Stage: The top two teams from each group advance to the Semi-Finals, followed by the Final.
The Teams and Group Draw
The group draws for both the Men’s and Women’s competitions are now confirmed.
Men’s Group Draw (10 Teams):
| Group A (4 Teams) | Group B (3 Teams) | Group C (3 Teams) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | England | Tonga |
| New Zealand | Samoa | Papua New Guinea (PNG) |
| Fiji | Lebanon | France |
| Cook Islands |
Women’s Group Draw (8 Teams):
| Group A (4 Teams) | Group B (4 Teams) |
|---|---|
| Australia | New Zealand |
| England | Papua New Guinea (PNG) |
| Samoa | France |
| Wales | Fiji |
Getting to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup
Travel between Australia, New Zealand, and PNG involves international flights, while local travel within each country offers diverse options.
Travel to Australia/New Zealand:
- By Air: Direct international flights are available to major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane (Australia), and Auckland, Christchurch (New Zealand).
- Local Transport: Both nations have highly developed public transport networks, including trains, trams, and buses. Ride-sharing services are widely available.
Travel to Papua New Guinea (PNG):
- By Air: Flights into Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport, POM) are the primary entry point. Connections from Australia are common.
- Local Transport: Public transport can be less formal than in Australia/New Zealand. It is highly recommended to arrange transport (such as taxis or hotel transfers) through reputable sources.
Tickets for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup
Tickets for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup went on sale on 23 November.
Tickets cover all Men’s and Women’s Group stage and Semi-Final matches, many of which are included in exciting double-header fixtures.
Ticket Pricing (AUD):
| Match Type | Adult Price (Starting From) | Family Price (Starting From) |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage & Semi-Finals | $19 AUD | $49 AUD |
| The Final (Lang Park, Brisbane) | $39 AUD | $109 AUD |
How to Purchase:
Tickets are available to purchase through the official vendor: Ticketmaster.
- Purchase Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/rlwc2026
- Official Channels: Always purchase tickets through the official RLWC ticketing website or authorized partners to ensure validity.
Where to Stay for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup
Accommodation will be in high demand across all host cities, especially in Port Moresby. Early booking is essential.
Australia & New Zealand:
- Variety: Both countries offer everything from luxury hotels to budget hostels and Airbnbs.
- Booking Tip: Look for stays close to public transport hubs for easy access to the stadiums.
Papua New Guinea:
- Focus: Accommodation in Port Moresby may be limited, focusing on major hotels and secured compounds.
- Booking Tip: Due to security and availability, booking well-known hotels and arranging airport transfers in advance is highly recommended.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the tournament, here are some essential resources:
- Official 2026 Rugby League World Cup Website
- Ticketmaster
- Tourism Australia
- Tourism New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Sports Tourist
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