The 2030 Rugby League World Cup will be held in the USA and the Pacific Islands, with five host cities to be confirmed. The men's and women's tournaments will run concurrently, matching the format of the ongoing tournament in Australia. World governing body International Rugby League (IRL) aims to expand the sport's reach to new countries and broadcasters.
The men's tournament will expand from 10 to 12 teams, while the women's event increases from eight to 10. The format remains under review after feedback from nations. IRL has also proposed promoting Samoa and Tonga to Tier One nations alongside Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Samoa made history in 2022 as the first Pacific country to play in a World Cup final, and both nations reached the semi-finals of the current tournament. The 2030 Wheelchair World Cup will coincide with the main event in France. The 2034 tournament is slated for Europe.
In the 2026 tournament finals, Australia's men aim for a fourth consecutive title, while their women seek a fifth successive final appearance against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing