The International Rugby League (IRL) has awarded Australia the hosting rights for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC2026), featuring Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair tournaments. This iteration of the World Cup will be the most competitive and culturally rich yet, with a total of 26 teams participating—10 men’s, eight women’s, and eight wheelchair teams. Matches will take place across top venues in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
IRL Chair Troy Grant said, “The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport, and RLWC2026 promises to be the best and most competitive ever staged.” He praised the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) for their bid, noting their ventures into Las Vegas as an example of their ability to elevate the tournament.
Grant added, “The culture, diversity, and competitiveness of the nations involved will capture the attention of global audiences and grow the game ever further.”
At the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, which was delayed to 2022 due to COVID-19, Tonga won all three group stage matches but were defeated 18-20 by Samoa in the quarter final.
