Rugby League World Cup Will Begin October 15
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will feature men's, women's, wheelchair, and physical disability tournaments in Australia.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Other Sports
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The 2026 Rugby League World Cup officially begins on October 15 in Australia. This tournament will include men's, women's, wheelchair, and physical disability competitions.
Why it matters
The tournament features updated eligibility rules for players with heritage from multiple countries, which is expected to result in the most competitive World Cup held to date.
The NRL previously secured a broadcast deal valued at $5.3 billion. The 2026 tournament features competition across four distinct disciplines: men's, women's, wheelchair, and physical disability.
The players
Matt Shirvington
He is a former athlete and media personality who will serve as the host for Channel Seven's coverage of the tournament.
Channel Seven
This is an Australian commercial television network that serves as the exclusive broadcaster for the tournament.
The details
Broadcast coverage for the event will be held exclusively on Seven and 7plus, with Matt Shirvington serving as the host. The Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup final is scheduled to occur in Sydney prior to the men's and women's championship matches.
Timeline
The tournament begins on October 15, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup represents a significant expansion in the scale and competitive diversity of international rugby league. This tournament follows the tradition of international quadrennial play while incorporating updated multi-national player eligibility rules.
The tournament will be available to viewers exclusively through Channel Seven and 7plus. Fans should note that the physical disability final will serve as a lead-in to the men's and women's tournament finals in Sydney.
The takeaway
This event highlights the increasing globalization of rugby league through its diverse range of tournament categories. Viewers interested in the games should ensure they have access to the Seven network broadcast platforms.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming international fixtures, visit the Other Sports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The West Australian.
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