Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026: group-by-group preview
The 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup features a new format with ten teams competing in a complex group structure. Australia enters as the favorite, while New Zealand and England are identified as key contenders for the title.
Why it matters
The Rugby League World Cup is a major international sporting event that significantly impacts the global sports economy and national pride for participating countries.
Isaiya Katoa, Herbie Farnworth, Jarome Luai and Kalyn Ponga are among the stars on show. Composite: Getty Images, Reuters Isaiya Katoa, Herbie Farnworth, Jarome Luai and Kalyn Ponga are among the stars on show. Composite: Getty Images, Reuters Rugby League World Cup 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026: group-by-group preview Australia and New Zealand are main contenders on home soil while pressure is straight on England in new format
Aaron Bower Tue 13 Oct 2026 08.00 BST Last modified on Tue 13 Oct 2026 10.45 BST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google T he Rugby League World Cup returns with a new format and a new feel this week, but in the men’s event there is a familiar clutch of nations vying for glory. Ten teams will compete in a complex group format, with only four semi-final spots on offer after the quarter-final stage was removed.
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