The NRL have announced the draw for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup with the pools confirmed for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions.
“Three tournaments, 14 nations, 26 teams, 53 matches, 31 days – the most competitive, ambitious and anticipated Rugby League World Cup will be played across three countries and nine host cities,” the NRL said in a statement.
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“The draw for the 2026 events, to be held in October and November next year, was announced today, alongside the competition structure for the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions.
“Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the Final of the Men’s and Women’s tournaments, on Sunday, November 15. Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre will host the Wheelchair Final on Friday, November 13.”
ARLC boss Peter V’landys believes there is no better time than to stage the next World Cup given the 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,” V’landys said.
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The Kangaroos will defend their 2022 title.Source: Getty Images
“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.”
International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman Troy Grant believes the international game has never been more competitive.
“International Rugby League has never been more competitive and there will be genuine superstars across all groups and stages in this tournament.
The Jillaroos will defend their 2022 title.Source: Getty Images
“A World Cup is about more than international glory. The biggest stars on the planet will put everything on the line for their country and fans will experience a level of passion and intensity that very few events can rival both on the field and in the stands.
“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
The 10-team Men’s tournament will include one pool of four and two pools of three nations.
The pools are:
Group A
Australia
New Zealand
Fiji
Cook Islands
Group B
England
Samoa
Lebanon
Group C
Tonga
PNG
France
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 (ie Group B teams will play Group C teams only).
The Men’s tournament will kick off at Allianz Stadium on Thursday, October 15, with the heavyweight clash between the top two world-ranked teams, the Kangaroos and the Kiwis. The opening weekend will also feature a clash between England and Tonga at Perth’s HBF Park, on Saturday, October 17.
The Group stage culminates with a match between Pacific giants Tonga and Samoa, at CommBank Stadium, on Sunday, November 1.
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 progress to the Semi-Finals.
Men’s matches will be played across Sydney, Port Moresby, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Brisbane, Wollongong, Gold Coast and Townsville.
Men’s 2026 RL WC draw. Source: NRL.com.Source: FOX SPORTS
WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT
The eight-team Women’s tournament will feature two Groups of four:
Group A
Australia
England
Samoa
Wales
Group B
New Zealand
PNG
France
Fiji
The Women’s tournament will kick off on Friday, October 16 with a clash between the all-conquering Australian Jillaroos and Samoa at CommBank Stadium.
Each team will play three matches against the other teams in their Group. The top two teams from each Group will progress to the Semi-Finals.
Women’s Group matches will be played across Sydney, Port Moresby, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Wollongong and Gold Coast.
Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will host double-header Semi-Finals across the Men’s and Women’s tournaments.
Women’s 2026 RL WC draw, Source: NRL.comSource: Focus On News
WHEELCHAIR TOURNAMENT
The eight-team Wheelchair tournament, played in its entirety at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre, features two groups of four:
Group A
England
Ireland
Wales
USA
Group B
France
Australia
Scotland
New Zealand
The opening match will coincide with a Men’s and Women’s double header at WIN Stadium on October 30.
Wheelchair 2026 RL WC draw. Source: NRL.comSource: FOX SPORTS
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale today for all Men’s and Women’s Group stage and Semi-Final matches from $19 (AUD) for adults and $49 (AUD) for families.
Tickets for the Suncorp Stadium Final start from $39 (AUD) for adults) and $109 (AUD) for families.
