Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman, Peter V’landys AM has today welcomed the International Rugby League (IRL) Board’s decision to award the hosting rights for the Rugby League World Cup 2026 to Australia.
The announcement confirms Australia will host the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments together in October and November 2026.
RLWC2026 will be contested by a total of 26 teams – comprising of 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,” said Mr V’landys.
“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 through the game of Rugby League.
“The Commission thanks the IRL Board for putting its faith in us to deliver a successful and memorable event worthy of our sport’s premier international tournament.”