Looking forward to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup! It will first roll out to Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand where it will be broadcast live and free, exclusively on Seven and 7plus Sport. The long-awaited tournament will feature men’s, women’s and wheelchair games. With this event, Seven further secures its place as the unrivalled home of Australian sport.
The tournament starts on October 15. Looking forward to a nail-biter on the pitch when Australia takes on New Zealand at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium! The men’s tournament will showcase 18 matches, while the women’s tournament will consist of 15 matches. Plus, the wheelchair tournament will offer 20 matches, offering a complete showcase of the most exceptional rugby league talent in every different format.
The men’s competition promises to feature the biggest names. Here’s looking at you, Australia, Samoa, New Zealand, England, Lebanon, Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, France and Jamaica! Meanwhile, the women’s tournament will include powerhouse teams like Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, England, France, Wales, Samoa, and either Nigeria or Fiji.
Australia’s national teams hold the title of reigning champions in both the men’s and women’s categories. The Kangaroos, as the men’s team is also called, will try to hold on to their title against a field strong with talent. Conversely, the Jillaroos are hell-bent on extending their reign over the women’s tournament. The wheelchair division will be very competitive, with England coming in as the defending champions along with other top teams.
Jeff Howard, a spokesman for Seven Network, said they were excited about the opportunity to broadcast such an iconic event.
“Seven is proud to be the unrivalled home of Australian sport,” – Jeff Howard
He emphasized the significance of hosting the tournament on home soil:
“The Rugby League World Cup is a significant world-class event and hosting it on home soil makes it even more special. It’s exactly the kind of premium sporting content Seven is known for and committed to delivering — live, free and exclusively to all Australians.” – Jeff Howard
Seven’s live match coverage begins this Friday, but will include a considerably broader rugby league offering. To that end, they’re testing the waters with a new panel show under The Agenda Setters brand. The show will begin with Round 1 of the 2026 NRL season. Fans should expect engaging technical analysis from bona fide experts, along with spirited debate about their favorite tournament.
Peter V’landys, a key figure in rugby league administration, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event:
“Nothing compares to the passion, excitement and sheer intensity of a Rugby League World Cup. Big hits, brilliant athleticism and epic finishes — this World Cup will have it all, and more,” – Peter V’landys
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is a significant and rare sporting opportunity for the continued development and expansion of rugby league internationally. The Commission has made increasing the global footprint of rugby league one of its priorities. Like the Olympics, this tournament is a tremendous display of athletic excellence, and it again serves to grow the beautiful game’s presence across the globe.
