The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will be co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea, the International Rugby League (IRL) has confirmed. The decision comes after France withdrew as the original host last year.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has opted to host some matches in PNG as part of the league’s ongoing expansion into the country. ARLC chairman Peter V’landys stated, “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.”
Originally, the USA and Canada were scheduled to host the World Cup in 2025, but those plans were abandoned in 2018 due to financial concerns. France then took over the hosting rights before withdrawing in May 2023 after failing to meet the criteria set out by the French government.
Australia, with its established NRL stadia, has emerged as a stable host for the event. Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium has hosted the last two Rugby League World Cup finals played in Australia, although the venues for 2026 are yet to be confirmed.
IRL chairman Troy Grant expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to elevate the Rugby League World Cup to new heights, stating, “Rugby league has never been stronger in Australia and the Pacific, with sold-out stadiums, record television ratings and much excitement about Pacific expansion.”
The 2026 tournament will feature the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair events, with a reduction from 16 to 10 teams in the men’s competition. The timing of the event means it is likely to take place 16 months before PNG enters the NRL as the league’s 19th team in 2028.
Australia and Papua New Guinea have today been confirmed as the host for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will again feature Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions.
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