AUSTRALIA and Papua New Guinea will host the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with the tournament numbers reduced from 16 to 10.
It will take place following the NRL season across October and November, with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments to once again run simultaneously.
Australia, Samoa, New Zealand, England, Lebanon, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea have already qualified for the men’s tournament after reaching the quarterfinals at the last World Cup.
The remaining two spots will be decided at the inaugural IRL World Series next year which will be contested by the Cook Islands, Jamaica, South Africa and the winner of the European qualifying tournament between France, Serbia, Wales and Ukraine.
“The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport and RLWC2026 promises to be the best and most competitive ever staged,” International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant said.
“Rugby league has never been stronger in Australia and the Pacific, with sold-out stadiums, record television ratings and much excitement about Pacific expansion.”
Australia has already hosted the World Cup twice this century, in 2008 and 2017, and the latter featured the women’s tournament being played alongside the men’s tournament for the first time.
“The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of the game’s international calendar and Australia is set to deliver the most competitive and culturally diverse World Cup ever staged,” ARL chairman Peter V’landys said.
“We will host matches across Australia and in Papua New Guinea to showcase the game’s best players to inspire the next generation, and cement rugby league as the number one sport in the Pacific.
“The partnership between the two countries provides a unique opportunity to combine Australia’s experience in delivering world-class and commercially viable events, while building capacity and capability in PNG, where the passion for the game is unrivalled and the potential for the game is untapped.
“The social and cultural legacy of this tournament will be wide-reaching and long-lasting, as we celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion, bringing communities together to tackle important social issues.”
