Australia will once again take centre stage for world sport when the 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) kicks off in Sydney this October.

The Albanese Government is backing the tournament with a $12.4 million investment to support the successful planning, logistics and delivery of the event across nine host cities in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

The investment includes a strong focus on supporting the women’s competition, as women’s rugby league continues to go from strength to strength.

The RLWC will feature standalone women’s, men’s, and wheelchair tournaments, with 26 teams from 16 nations competing in 51 matches across 5 weeks.

Fans will see the men’s and women’s teams sharing the stage across a number of double-headers providing great entertainment and showcasing the very best of rugby league to audiences around the world. 

As Australia prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is another opportunity to showcase our world-class sporting culture on the global stage.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australians love rugby league and this World Cup is a chance to show that to the world.

“This is about packed stadiums, local jobs, children seeing their heroes up close and communities coming together around a game they love.

“The World Cup will bring communities together across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, strengthen regional ties and create memories that fans will never forget.

“Australia has a proud track record of hosting world-class sporting events and this is another chance to show the world what we do best.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“This investment will deliver an incredible tournament in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Games and will create more opportunities and inspiration for kids to hit the field.

“With women’s rugby league continuing to grow year-on-year, the RLWC provides a platform to inspire young people, grow the game further and get more women and girls into sport.

“That’s why we’re getting involved in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, to make sure it’s the best possible event it can be, and to showcase why Australia is a world leader in delivering international sporting events.”