NSW a Winner for Rugby League World Cup 2026

The Minns Labor Government’s deal secures a powerful line-up of fixtures for the tournament, including the opening clash between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Men’s and Women’s double-headers at CommBank Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium and WIN Stadium, and both Men’s and Women’s Semi-Finals in Sydney and Newcastle.

In a major boost for the Illawarra region, the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will also be staged at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, demonstrating the city’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for major international sports.

Rugby League World Cup 2026 is estimated to attract more than 32,000 fans to NSW and inject over $19 million into the NSW visitor economy, delivering significant economic benefits for hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and surrounding regions.

Hosting the Rugby League World Cup 2026 aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to grow the visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035. A key pillar of the Strategy is building a dynamic, nation-leading calendar of major events that drives year-round visitation to support jobs and businesses that rely on tourism.

The announcement adds to NSW’s unrivalled line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year’s Ashes Test, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Sydney 500, Bathurst 1000, State of Origin, NRL & NRLW Grand Finals and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.

For more information on Rugby League World Cup 2026 fixtures and tickets, click here.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns says there’s no place like home for the tournament.

“NSW is the nation’s heartland of rugby league, and this announcement ensures our fans will get to see the world’s best players right here at home,” Premier Minns says

“The Rugby League World Cup is a showcase of the game’s growing global reach, and hosting key matches in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong gives fans across the state a chance to be part of the international celebration of one of our favourite sports.

“These events showcase the best of NSW — our world-class stadiums, passionate fans and our ability to deliver unforgettable sporting moments.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper says it’s a boost for local tourism in the area.

“This is another big win for our state and for rugby league fans,” Mr Kamper says.

“Securing the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will bring visitors from across Australia and around the world, supporting local jobs and showcasing our great cities and coastal communities.

“Fans will pack Allianz Stadium for the blockbuster opening game between Australia and New Zealand.

“From Parramatta to Newcastle to Wollongong, supporters will enjoy an international festival of rugby league that strengthens NSW as Australia’s home of major events.”

Australian Rugby League Chairman Peter V’landys AM says international rugby league is at an all time high.

“Rugby League World Cup 2026 couldn’t come at a better time on the back of record-breaking NRL and NRLW seasons, a successful Ashes series, and the most exciting Pacific Championships ever,” My V’landys says.

“Representing your country is the ultimate honour and doing so in a World Cup is the ultimate stage. The talent, skill, physicality, passion and raw emotion on display will be something like we have never seen before.

“This will be the best and most successful Rugby League World Cup on record.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 – New South Wales Fixtures

All times local (AEDT).

Men's Tournament

• Thursday 15 October 2026 – 8:05pm
  Australia vs New Zealand – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
• Friday 16 October 2026 – 5:45pm
  Samoa vs France – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
• Sunday 18 October 2026 – 4:05pm
  Fiji vs Cook Islands – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
• Friday 23 October 2026 – 8:05pm
  Tonga vs Lebanon – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
• Friday 30 October 2026 – 8:05pm
  England vs Papua New Guinea – WIN Stadium, Wollongong
• Sunday 1 November 2026 – 5:50pm
  Lebanon vs France – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
• Sunday 1 November 2026 – 8:05pm
  Tonga vs Samoa – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
• Saturday 7 November 2026 – 8:05pm
  Semi-final 1 – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
• Sunday 8 November 2026 – 8:05pm
  Semi-final 2 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Women's Tournament

• Friday 16 October 2026 – 8:05pm
  Australia vs Samoa – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
• Sunday 18 October 2026 – 1:50pm
  New Zealand vs Fiji – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
• Friday 23 October 2026 – 5:50pm
  Samoa vs Wales – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
• Friday 30 October 2026 – 5:50pm
  England vs Samoa – WIN Stadium, Wollongong
• Sunday 1 November 2026 – 3:45pm
  Australia vs Wales – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
• Saturday 7 November 2026 – 5:55pm
  Semi-final 1 – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
• Sunday 8 November 2026 – 5:55pm
  Semi-final 2 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wheelchair Tournament
All matches at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

• Friday 30 October 2026 – 1:00pm
  Ireland vs USA
• Friday 30 October 2026 – 3:30pm
  England vs Wales
• Saturday 31 October 2026 – 3:00pm
  France vs Scotland
• Saturday 31 October 2026 – 5:30pm
  Australia vs New Zealand
• Tuesday 3 November 2026 – 11:00am
  France vs New Zealand
• Tuesday 3 November 2026 – 1:30pm
  Australia vs Scotland
• Tuesday 3 November 2026 – 4:00pm
  Ireland vs Wales
• Tuesday 3 November 2026 – 6:30pm
  England vs USA
• Friday 6 November 2026 – 11:00am
  Scotland vs New Zealand
• Friday 6 November 2026 – 1:30pm
  Wales vs USA
• Friday 6 November 2026 – 5:00pm
  England vs Ireland
• Friday 6 November 2026 – 7:30pm
  France vs Australia
• Monday 9 November 2026 – 11:00am
  Placing match
• Monday 9 November 2026 – 1:30pm
  Placing match
• Tuesday 10 November 2026 – 5:00pm
  Semi-final 1
• Tuesday 10 November 2026 – 7:30pm
  Semi-final 2
• Thursday 12 November 2026 – 11:00am
  Placing match
• Thursday 12 November 2026 – 1:30pm
  Placing match
• Friday 13 November 2026 – 5:00pm
  Placing match
• Friday 13 November 2026 – 7:30pm
  Final