Australia to host 2026 Rugby League World Cup

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Australia to host 2026 Rugby League World Cup

Australia will share the 2026 Rugby League World Cup hosting rights with Papua New Guinea.

The International Rugby League (IRL) confirmed on Wednesday night Australia would take over as hosts of the event, after France withdrew last year.

The ARL Commission has opted to host some matches in PNG, as part of the league’s continual expansion into the country.

“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 No.1 sport in the Pacific,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.

“”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 USA and Canada were to have hosted the World Cup in 2025, before those plans were aborted in 2018 over financial concerns.

France then took over the hosting rights, before they too pulled out last May after they were unable to meet criteria set out by the French government.

In Australia, the IRL has found a stable host with NRL stadia.

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium has hosted the last two Rugby League World Cup finals played in Australia, with venues yet to be confirmed for 2026.

“We have all been impressed by the ARLC’s ventures into Las Vegas, led by Peter and Andrew (Abdo), and have no doubt that they will elevate the Rugby League World Cup to a new level,” IRL chairman Troy Grant said.

“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 World Cup in Australia, with matches to be played in Papua New Guinea, will see the rise of the game in the Pacific reach greater heights and ensure Rugby League is the No.1 sport in the region.”

Australia most recently co-hosted the World Cup in 2017, with matches also played in New Zealand and PNG.

The 2026 tournament will include the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events, with a reduction from 16 teams to 10 in the men’s.

The tournament’s timing means it is likely to take place 16 months before PNG enter the NRL as the league’s 19th team in 2028.

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