The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is almost here, with Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea hosting the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments. In the men's and women's competitions, Australia are the defending champions. England currently hold the world title in the wheelchair competition.
The men's tournament gets under way on Thursday October 15, with Australia facing New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney at 10.05am BST. England men open their campaign on Saturday October 17 against Tonga at HBF Park in Perth, with kick-off at 10.05am. England women start their title bid on the same day at 7.35am against Wales.
The wheelchair tournament begins on Friday October 30, when England take on Wales at 4.30am. Men's Group A features Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands and Fiji. Group B includes England, Lebanon and Samoa, while Group C consists of France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
Teams in Pools B and C play inter-pool matches against every team in the opposing pool. Results feed into a combined ladder, and the top two teams progress to the semi-finals. All kick-off times are in BST.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing