New Zealand to Face Australia in World Cup Final
New Zealand meets Australia in the Rugby League World Cup final on Sunday after a 32-0 semi-final win over Samoa.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Other Sports
New Zealand will play Australia in the Rugby League World Cup final on Sunday, following a 32-0 semi-final win over Samoa on Saturday. New Zealand has not won a World Cup in 13 years.
Why it matters
The final gives New Zealand a chance to end a 13-year World Cup drought against its trans-Tasman rival. The result will shape the tournament's outcome for both nations and their supporters.
The players
Stacey Waaka
Waaka is a New Zealand centre and dual Olympic gold medallist who joined the Brisbane Broncos in 2024.
The details
New Zealand centre Stacey Waaka scored a hat-trick in the semi-final win over Samoa and has scored nine tries across the tournament. Waaka, a three-time World Cup winner across rugby codes and dual Olympic gold medallist, has represented New Zealand 199 times across both codes.
Timeline
2024: Stacey Waaka joined the Brisbane Broncos.
Saturday: New Zealand beat Samoa 32-0 in the semi-final.
Sunday: New Zealand play Australia in the World Cup final.
Season Trajectory
A win over Australia would end New Zealand's 13-year World Cup drought and cap a tournament in which the Kiwis have been dominant. The final sets up a direct test against the rival that has repeatedly defined international rugby league.
The final determines the tournament champion and ends New Zealand's 13-year World Cup drought if the Kiwis win. Fantasy and betting readers should note Waaka's nine tries as a key tournament form indicator.
The takeaway
Form and momentum often matter most in finals, and New Zealand's semi-final dominance shows a team peaking at the right time. Watching how Waaka and the Kiwis handle Australia's pressure will show whether that form carries into the final.
What happens next
New Zealand and Australia contest the Rugby League World Cup final on Sunday.
Further reading
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