Rugby League World Cup 2026: Tickets and Schedule

The excitement of domestic rugby league action from the NRL and Super League has captivated fans, but the spotlight is now on the international stage. The Rugby League World Cup is set to commence in Australia, with New Zealand and Papua New Guinea joining as co-hosts.

Running from October 15 to November 15, this tournament will feature 10 teams competing for the coveted title. Australia is the defending champion and favorite to claim its fourth consecutive victory and 13th overall since the tournament's inception in 1954. However, they'll face tough competition from co-hosting rivals New Zealand, as well as Samoa and Tonga.

Rugby League World Cup 2026 Dates

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 will kick off on October 15 and run through November 15, showcasing a total of 18 matches, including pool games, semi-finals, and the final. The international event will also run concurrently with women's competitions and wheelchair tournaments.

Tournament Schedule

Pool Matches: October 15 - November 1
Semi-Finals: November 7/8
Final: November 15

How to Purchase Tickets

Fans eager to witness the action can buy official tickets through the Rugby League World Cup website, which connects to authorized sales portals for each venue. The main platforms for ticket sales are Ticketmaster Australia and Ticketmaster New Zealand; however, Ticketek may also be used for certain matches.

For those looking for last-minute options, secondary ticket markets, such as StubHub, offer reliable services for purchasing tickets, backed by their FanProtect program to ensure validity and timely delivery.

Ticket Prices for Rugby League World Cup 2026

Pricing for general admission tickets begins at just $19 AUD for adults, although prices will differ based on match significance, venue location, and seat selection. Here's a breakdown of the ticket categories:

Ticket Pricing Structure

Group Stage & Semi-Finals: Adult Tickets from $19 AUD; Family Tickets from $49 AUD
Final (Suncorp Stadium): Adult Tickets from $39 AUD; Family Tickets from $109 AUD

Seating is typically categorized as follows:

Category 1 / Premium: Best views, located along the halfway line and lower tier sidelines.
Category 2: Upper side tiers or corner sections of the stadium.
Category 3 / General Admission: Typically behind the goalposts or in upper decks, these are the more economical options.

Make sure to check official team websites and resale sites like StubHub for updates and availability.

Upcoming Fixtures for the Rugby League World Cup 2026

Here are some notable matches scheduled during the tournament:

October 30: England vs PNG at WIN Stadium (Wollongong)
October 31: New Zealand vs Fiji at Cbus Super Stadium (Gold Coast)
October 31: Australia vs Cook Islands at Queensland Country Bank Stadium (Townsville)
November 1: Lebanon vs France & Tonga vs Samoa at CommBank Stadium (Sydney)
November 7: 1st Semi-Final at McDonald Jones Stadium (Newcastle)
November 8: 2nd Semi-Final at Allianz Stadium (Sydney)
November 15: Final at Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane)

Venues for the Rugby League World Cup 2026

The matches will be hosted in various esteemed venues across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea:

Australia: Venues include Suncorp Stadium, Parramatta (Allianz), and HBF Park (Perth), with capacities ranging from 25,000 to over 52,000.
New Zealand: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch.
Papua New Guinea: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

History of the Rugby League World Cup

Since its first tournament in 1954, the Rugby League World Cup has seen various champions. The most recent winners include:

2021: Samoa defeated England 30-10
2017: England defeated Australia 6-0
2013: Australia defeated New Zealand 34-2

With intense competition ahead, both players and fans are gearing up for a thrilling month of rugby league action, so secure your tickets now for an unforgettable experience!