Kangaroos set to kick off World Cup against New Zealand as full draw revealed for 2026 tournament

Australia will kick off next year’s Rugby League World Cup against New Zealand, with the full draw and pools confirmed for the tournament.

Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will host the blockbuster clash on October 15 after both of the heavyweight nations were slotted into Group A along with Fiji and Cook Islands.

England, Samoa and Lebanon have been drawn in Group B, while the final group will consist of Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France.

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Group A teams will each play three matches against the other teams in Group A. Group B and C teams will each play three matches against the teams in the adjacent group.

The top two teams from Group A will progress to the semi finals, while the top two teams from a combined table of Group B and Pool C will also move through.

Kangaroos players celebrate after the Ashes series Getty

The final for both the men’s and women’s tournaments will be held at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15.

“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,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said in a statement.

“Representing your country is the ultimate honour and doing so in a World Cup is the ultimate stage. 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.”

The full draw for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup can be found here.