Utah, Hawaii Set to Host 2030 Rugby League Games
The International Rugby League board has identified Utah and Hawaii as pool match locations for the 2030 Rugby League World Cup in the United States.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Soccer
The International Rugby League board has identified Utah and Hawaii as pool match locations for the 2030 Rugby League World Cup, which is set to be hosted in the United States. Discussions point toward a format with three to four games played at one stadium.
Why it matters
The move is on a mission to expand and promote rugby league globally, capitalising on momentum created by Samoa and Tonga's achievements on the international stage. Utah and Hawaii both have large Tongan and Samoan populations.
The International Rugby League board has named Utah and Hawaii as proposed pool locations, with a magic round style format of three to four games at one stadium under discussion. Official confirmation is expected next week, and the final schedule remains unconfirmed.
The players
International Rugby League
The international governing body for rugby league, which oversees the sport's global competitions and development.
The details
Samoa and Tonga players began switching allegiance in 2017 to represent their Pacific heritage, a shift that has strengthened both nations on the international stage. The Tonga versus Samoa clash at CommBank Stadium last week drew worldwide attention and an emotional response from fans.
Timeline
2017: Pacific players began switching to represent Samoa and Tonga.
Last week: Tonga versus Samoa clash at CommBank Stadium.
Next week: Expected official confirmation of US hosting.
2030: Rugby League World Cup hosted in the United States.
2034: Next World Cup expected in the Northern Hemisphere, most likely England.
Season Trajectory
The 2030 hosting decision extends the International Rugby League's push to grow the sport beyond its traditional Australasian and British base. Placing matches in Utah and Hawaii builds on the momentum from Samoa and Tonga's rise in international competition.
Fans in Utah and Hawaii may be able to attend pool matches in 2030 if the venues are confirmed as expected. The format under discussion would concentrate three to four games at a single stadium.
The takeaway
Watch for next week's official confirmation, since it will determine whether the 2030 Rugby League World Cup pool format and venues take shape as proposed. The decision reflects rugby league's wider effort to reach new audiences across the Pacific diaspora and beyond.
What happens next
Official confirmation of the United States hosting and the final venue and format is expected next week.
Further reading
For more on the sport's international growth, explore our Soccer coverage.
