Australia has won the hosting rights for the Rugby League World Cup in 2026, with matches to be played here and in Papua New Guinea.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys said the event would include men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments to be played together in October and November.
Mr V’landys said RLWC2026 would be contested by 26 teams – 10 men’s, eight women’s and eight wheelchair teams.
“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,” he 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.”
Mr V’landys said the partnership between Australian and Papua New Guinea provided a unique opportunity.
He said the event would 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 through the game of rugby league.”
