Australia Advances in Rugby League World Cup
Australia secures semi-final spot following a win over Fiji in tournament pool play.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
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Australia claimed a semi-final berth at the Rugby League World Cup after defeating Fiji 36-22. The victory followed a weekend of intense pool play that also saw Fiji overcome the Cook Islands.
Why it matters
The win cements Australia's path to the tournament's final stages as other teams continue to battle for remaining qualification spots. The outcome leaves Fiji facing a must-win game to keep their own semi-final hopes alive.
Australia solidified its lead after overcoming a 16-12 deficit against Fiji, while New Zealand eliminated the Cook Islands with a dominant 70-point scoring surge. Fiji currently holds a 40-12 win over the Cook Islands from their earlier pool match.
The players
Tom Trbojevic
He is a professional rugby league player who recorded three tries to secure victory for Australia.
Semi Valemei
He is a rugby league player who scored two tries for Fiji during their match against Australia.
Waqa Blake
He is a rugby league player who contributed one try to Fiji's effort against the Cook Islands.
Esom Ioka
He is a player for the Cook Islands who scored three tries during their matchup against New Zealand.
The details
Tom Trbojevic spearheaded the Australian victory by scoring a hat-trick in a 15-minute span. Fiji had briefly led Australia 16-12 early in the second half following Semi Valemei's second try of the match.
Timeline
The Rugby League World Cup pool matches took place over the weekend of October 24-25, 2026.
Fiji is scheduled to play New Zealand in a decisive World Cup match on October 31, 2026.
Travel Outlook
These matches define the progression within the 2026 Rugby League World Cup pool stage format, setting the stage for the knockout rounds. The results dictate the competitive trajectory for international teams as they navigate the tournament's qualification requirements.
Fans tracking the tournament can expect updated bracket schedules following the conclusion of the final pool matches. Logistics for the upcoming semi-final round depend entirely on the result of the October 31 decider.
The takeaway
The Rugby League World Cup remains highly competitive as teams fight for limited spots in the knockout phase. Fans should monitor late-round pool results closely to see which national squads secure their position in the semi-finals.
What happens next
Fiji will play New Zealand on October 31, 2026, to decide which team advances to the tournament semi-finals.
Further reading
For more on regional sports news, visit our Australia and New Zealand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telegraph and Argus.
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