Rugby League World Cup – RLWC 2026 Schedule, Teams, Live Stream, and Tickets

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 (RLWC 2026) is set to be one of the most exciting global rugby league events, bringing together elite teams from across the world in a unified, multi-format tournament. Featuring men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions, RLWC 2026 highlights the sport’s growth, inclusivity, and international appeal.

Originally scheduled for 2025, the tournament was postponed to 2026 after France withdrew as the host nation. Despite the change, the event promises a high-quality competition staged across multiple countries, delivering thrilling matches and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.

A Unique Multi-Tournament Format

RLWC 2026 stands out because it combines three major tournaments into one global event:

  • Men’s Rugby League World Cup
  • Women’s Rugby League World Cup
  • Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup

All three competitions will run in parallel, creating a festival of rugby league that celebrates talent across different formats. This structure not only boosts global visibility but also promotes equality and diversity within the sport.

Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026

The 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup marks the 17th edition of the prestigious tournament. It will feature 10 national teams, competing for one of rugby league’s highest honors.

Top rugby league nations such as Australia, England, and New Zealand are expected to be strong contenders. Emerging nations will also have the opportunity to showcase their growth, making the tournament highly competitive and unpredictable.

Fans can expect:

  • High-intensity matches
  • World-class athletes
  • Global fan engagement

The men’s competition remains the centerpiece of RLWC 2026, drawing massive international attention and broadcast coverage.

Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026

The Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 will be the 7th edition of the tournament. Due to the rescheduling, the competition will feature 8 teams, instead of the originally planned expansion.

Despite the reduced number of teams, the quality of competition is expected to be exceptional. Women’s rugby league has seen rapid growth in recent years, with increasing investment, visibility, and fan support.

Key highlights include:

  • Strong competition from top-ranked nations
  • Increased global recognition for women’s sport
  • High skill and fast-paced gameplay

The tournament plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality in international rugby league.

Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2026

The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2026 will be the 5th edition of this inclusive and inspiring competition. Like the women’s tournament, it will feature 8 teams due to the revised schedule.

Wheelchair rugby league has gained global attention for its unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and inclusivity. The competition showcases incredible skill and determination, making it one of the most inspiring events in the RLWC lineup.

Fans can look forward to:

  • Fast-paced, high-scoring games
  • Inclusive sporting excellence
  • Growing international participation

Why RLWC 2026 Matters

RLWC 2026 is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of rugby league’s global evolution. By hosting men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions together, the event promotes unity, diversity, and equal opportunity in sport.

With international teams, passionate fans, and worldwide broadcasting, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 is set to deliver unforgettable action and elevate the sport to new heights.

Final Thoughts

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tournament Overview highlights a landmark event in international rugby league. From elite men’s teams to rising women’s squads and inspiring wheelchair athletes, RLWC 2026 represents the future of inclusive global sport.

As anticipation builds, fans around the world can prepare for a tournament filled with excitement, competition, and history in the making.

Men’s Tournament

A group of young rugby players are engaged in a competitive match. The players are wearing different colored uniforms, with some in orange and white and others in black. One player is holding the rugby ball while being tackled by opponents. The scene takes place on a grassy field, and the action conveys a sense of intensity and teamwork.

Women’s Tournament

Ten men’s teams will battle it out across Australia and Papua New Guinea from October to November 2026.

A group of women engaged in a dynamic rugby match on a field. One player is holding the ball and running towards the left, evading another player's attempt to tackle her. Other players are actively participating, showing a mixture of determination and focus. The background features empty bleachers and a partially visible referee.

Wheelchair Rugby

Eight wheelchair teams bring incredible skill and speed, showcasing the sport’s inclusivity and fierce competition.

A group of young men are playing rugby on a grassy field. Two players in blue and white striped uniforms are tackling a player in a black and yellow striped uniform, who is holding the rugby ball. Other players, also wearing black and yellow uniforms, are nearby watching the play. In the background, there are white tents, trees, and a partially visible building.

Host Nations

Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand join forces to welcome the world to this unforgettable rugby league celebration.

About Us

RLWC2026 brings together men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments across Australia and Papua New Guinea.

A large stadium filled with spectators watching a nighttime rugby match. The players are wearing yellow jerseys and the illuminated scoreboard is visible in the background. The stadium has a modern design with overhead lights.
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Gallery

Moments from RLWC 2026 across Australia and Papua New Guinea.

A futuristic stadium illuminated with vibrant lights displays the numbers 2024 prominently at its center. The stadium is filled with colorful lights and reflective surfaces, creating a dynamic and festive atmosphere.
A group of women engaged in a rugby game on a grassy field, competing intensely as they grapple with each other for possession of the ball. The players are wearing numbered jerseys and some have protective gear like mouthguards and scrum caps. The background features blurred foliage and structures, indicating the setting is an outdoor sports field.
A large football stadium with red seating and an open roof structure. The seating area displays the word 'WEMBLEY' in large letters. A scoreboard shows 'Finalists 2022' with a team logo. The field is well-maintained with lush green grass, and a few people are visible walking on the pitch.
A row of Coca-Cola bottles with various designs commemorating the FIFA World Cup for different years, including 1998 in France, 2002 in South Korea and Japan, 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, and 2018 in Russia. Each bottle features vibrant colors and branding associated with the respective tournament.
A collection of trophies with a stylized wolf head logo and the text 'European Championships 2023' displayed prominently. The trophies are arranged in neat rows, with a focus on the unique design and inscriptions in a foreign script. Each trophy is placed on a black base, and there are ribbons and medals attached at the bottom.