The Rugby League World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be the most competitive edition in the tournament's history, running from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, November 15. Twelve-time world champions Australia enter as favorites for the 17th edition of the RLWC, though the Kangaroos face roster hurdles including the absences of code-crossing superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase and injured NRL Dally M Player of the Year Nathan Cleary. Meanwhile, New Zealand enters following a Pacific Championships victory, and powerhouses like Samoa and Tonga look to build on their previous breakthrough tournament performances despite notable injuries.
Fans looking to watch the action live can access free-to-air coverage through specific regional broadcasters. In Australia, every single game of the tournament is streaming for free on 7Plus, alongside free-to-air broadcasts on Channel 7 and 7Mate. Viewers in New Zealand can tune into select matches via ThreeNow, which covers every Kiwis game alongside the semi-finals and final. Supporters traveling outside these regions or located elsewhere can utilize virtual private network services like Surfshark to access their domestic streaming platforms seamlessly.
International viewers outside the free-to-air zones have dedicated broadcast options to catch all 18 matches of the tournament. In the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, coverage is hosted on Premier Sports with various monthly and annual subscription tiers available. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, October 15 with a blockbuster opening match between Australia and New Zealand, setting the stage for a month of intense international rugby league competition culminating in the final on November 15.
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