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

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 (RLWC 2026) will feature an exciting lineup of international teams, showcasing the best talent in the sport. With nations from different continents competing across men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments, the event highlights the global growth of rugby league.

In this guide, we take a detailed look at the RLWC 2026 teams, including top contenders, emerging nations, and what fans can expect from each side.

RLWC 2026 Teams

🏉 Men’s Teams in RLWC 2026

The men’s tournament will include 10 competitive teams, divided into pools for the group stage. These teams represent both traditional powerhouses and rising nations:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • England
  • Samoa
  • Tonga
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Fiji
  • France
  • Lebanon
  • Cook Islands

This balanced lineup ensures a mix of experience, skill, and unpredictability, making every match crucial.

⭐ Top Contender Teams

🇦🇺 Australia

Australia remains the dominant force in rugby league, with a history of World Cup success. Featuring elite players from top leagues, they are strong favorites to reach the final.

🇳🇿 New Zealand

New Zealand combines physical strength with tactical discipline, making them a consistent challenger. Their rivalry with Australia is one of the highlights of the tournament.

🏴 England

England leads the European charge with a well-structured squad and experienced players. They are expected to be strong contenders in the knockout stages.

🔥 Rising and Competitive Teams

🇼🇸 Samoa

Samoa has grown into a serious threat, thanks to players competing in top professional leagues. Their speed and power make them dangerous opponents.

🇹🇴 Tonga

Tonga brings passion and intensity to every game. Known for their aggressive playing style, they can upset top-ranked teams.

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea

With home matches scheduled, Papua New Guinea will benefit from massive crowd support, giving them a strong advantage.

Follow full RLWC 2026 Schedule here.

🌏 Other Participating Nations

🇫🇯 Fiji

Fiji is known for its fast-paced and attacking style, often producing exciting matches.

🇫🇷 France

France continues to develop its rugby league program and can challenge stronger teams on their day.

🇱🇧 Lebanon

Lebanon has shown steady improvement and brings a disciplined approach to the tournament.

🇨🇰 Cook Islands

The Cook Islands may be underdogs but have the potential to surprise bigger teams with their resilience.

♿ Women’s and Wheelchair Teams

In addition to the men’s competition, RLWC 2026 will feature:

  • 8 Women’s Teams
  • 8 Wheelchair Teams

These tournaments play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and diversity in rugby league, offering equal opportunities for athletes across different formats.

🌍 Global Representation and Growth

The RLWC 2026 teams reflect the expanding global footprint of rugby league. With participation from Europe, Oceania, and beyond, the tournament demonstrates how the sport is reaching new audiences and developing talent worldwide.

🔥 What Makes RLWC 2026 Teams Special

  • A mix of elite and emerging nations
  • Increased competitiveness across all groups
  • Strong representation from Pacific Island nations
  • Growing depth in international rugby league

This diversity ensures that fans will enjoy high-quality matches and unexpected results.

📌 Final Thoughts

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 teams bring together the very best of international rugby league. From dominant favorites like Australia to rising challengers like Samoa and Tonga, the competition promises excitement at every stage.

As the tournament approaches, fans can look forward to intense rivalries, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments that define the spirit of rugby league on the world stage.

Men’s Tournament

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Women’s Tournament

Eight women’s teams will battle it out across Australia and Papua New Guinea this October-November.

A women's soccer match with players actively engaged near the goal area. The player in white is leaping into the air, likely attempting to head the ball, which is visible in the top right. Several players in red and black jerseys are positioned around her, focused on the ball. The background shows a crowd of spectators in the stands, with flags hanging over the railing, including the Australian flag, the Jamaican flag, and a rainbow flag. The atmosphere suggests energetic gameplay.

Wheelchair Rugby

The wheelchair tournament features eight teams showcasing skill and determination on the court.

A group of people are playing rugby on a grass field. Several players are clustered around the ball, while others watch or prepare to engage. The players are wearing uniforms in black and white, and the referee is wearing a bright pink shirt. The field is surrounded by a hedge and a few benches, with a sparse audience watching from the sidelines.

Host Venues

Matches will take place across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand, bringing the sport to vibrant communities.

Our Teams

Ten men’s, eight women’s, and eight wheelchair teams unite for RLWC 2026.

Join Us
A group of athletes are running on a field, engaged in a rugby match. They are wearing blue and black sports uniforms, indicating two opposing teams. Advertisements and signs are visible in the background, suggesting a formal sports venue.
A group of young women, wearing matching Australian team gear, stand enthusiastically in a sports arena. They are smiling, cheering, and clapping, indicating a supportive and lively atmosphere. Spectators in casual attire are visible in the background, some taking photos.

Teams

Meet the proud nations competing across all rugby league formats in 2026.

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A group of rugby players wearing white jerseys with red and yellow accents stand together on the field. Some players have their arms around each other, suggesting team unity or celebration. The focus is on the back of their jerseys, displaying names and numbers.
A group of athletes are playing rugby on a green field. The teams are distinguishable by their uniforms; one team wears black and white, while the other wears blue and black stripes. In the background, there are spectators sitting on steps and standing, watching the game. The setting is outdoors, possibly in a park or sports complex, with bare trees and bushes beyond the field.
A large stadium filled with spectators, with a rugby game taking place on the field. The players are grouped near the center, possibly in a scrum. The stands are full, indicating a high attendance, and the sky is overcast with some patches of blue.