Women’s rugby will be in focus as the Albanese government splashes $12m on preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) is set to kick off on October 15 with the final games scheduled for November 15 this year. Teams from 14 countries will compete across nine different cities in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The women’s tournament will begin with the opening match between Australia and Samoa at CommBank Stadium.
Australian Jillaroos are the three-time World Cup winners having defeated the New Zealand team in Manchester, winning the women’s tournament for a third consecutive time in 2022.
Noting growing interest in the women’s league, the government promised special focus in announcing a $12m investment preparation for the World Cup on Tuesday.
The women’s tournament will begin with the opening match between Australia and Samoa at CommBank Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England
The multimillion dollar investment will go towards planning, logistics and delivery of the games across host cities.
“With women’s rugby league continuing to grow year-on-year, the RLWC provides a platform to inspire young people, grow the game further and get more women and girls into sport,” Sports Minister Anika Wells said.
“That’s why we’re getting involved in the 2026 RLWC, to make sure it’s the best possible event it can be, and to showcase why Australia is a world leader in delivering international sporting events.”
Anthony Albanese – himself a huge rugby league fan – said these games would create “memories fans will never forget” and deepen regional bonds with the two neighbours.
The government’s $600m deal confirmed Papua New Guinea as NRL’s 19th team in 2024. The team is set to enter competition in 2028.
“Australia has a proud track record of hosting world-class sporting events and this is another chance to show the world what we do best,” Mr Albanese said.
Anthony Albanese with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
The three Pacific neighbours have hosted these in 2017 when Australia bagged the cup in the men’s tournament defeating England.
Since 1957, Australia has hosted and co-hosted Rugby League World Cup tournaments six times.
This year’s Rugby League World Cup is an opportunity to let Australia’s sporting culture shine on the global stage while the country prepares for the Olympic and Paralympic Games set to kick off in 2032, the government said.
Featuring stand-alone women’s, men’s and wheelchair tournaments, 26 teams are set to compete within 53 games.
Men and women teams are set to share the global stage across a number of double-header events showing fans and audiences the best of rugby league.
Most matches will be played in Australia, with host cities including Perth, Wollongong, Townsville, Newcastle, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sydney, alongside Christchurch and Port Moresby.
