Rugby League World Cup: Date, schedule, teams, history & betting odds

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is less than two years away and the excitement will soon build for the tournament in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

After the 2021 edition was delayed until 2022, it does not feel like we have long to wait for the next instalment of the Rugby League World Cup.

Australia will head into the tournament as the defending champions, while England will look to bounce back from their disappointing display under coach Shaun Wane.

Here's a rundown of all you need to know for the 2026 World Cup.

When is the Rugby League World Cup?

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup was initially scheduled for 2025, but with France pulling out as hosts, the tournament has now been delayed until 2026. The dates are still to be confirmed, but the tournament will likely be around October and November.

Where is the Rugby League World Cup?

The Rugby League World Cup was due to be held in France after winning the bid to host the tournament, but after pulling out as hosts, the International Rugby League announced Australia would host the tournament, with games also due to be played in Papua New Guinea.

Can I watch the Rugby League World Cup?

With the World Cup still a long way off, no broadcasters have been confirmed.

The BBC provided coverage of the 2021 tournament and will no doubt be expected to bid for the rights once again, as will other rival broadcasters.

How many times has the Rugby League World Cup taken place?

The next tournament will be the 17th edition of the Rugby League World Cup, with the first event taking place all the way back in 1954.

It was Great Britain who won the first edition of the competition, beating hosts France 16-12 at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

There have only been three different nations to have been crowned world champions, with 12-time winners Australia the dominant force.

The Aussies have won the last three editions of the World Cup, beating Samoa 30-10 in the 2021 final.

Playing as a united Great Britain, GB won the title in 1954, 1960 and 1972, while New Zealand got their hands on the trophy on one occasion, in 2008.