Australia and PNG to host 2026 RL World Cup – but why no New Zealand?

ENGLAND have finally learned where they will be heading for the reduced 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Depending on their group, it could be to the hotbed of Papua New Guinea.

International Rugby League (IRL) chiefs have at long last confirmed Australia plus the Pacific island state, which will host the Kumuls' matches, will hold the 10-team men's tournament in October and November that year.

And with one group likely to contain at least one tier one nation and a side from that area, Shaun Wane's side may have to face them in their homeland.

Scotland and Ireland cannot qualify after they were demoted to affiliate IRL membership, while Wales must go through a World Series down under next year, provided they get past Serbia and France this year.

This award also plays into suspicions held by at least one international coach that the Test board is placing too much focus on the other side of the world.

Jamaica and Greece, whose participation in the 2022 tournament in England provided many stories, are also out - but IRL chief Troy Grant believes cutting the men's tournament to 10 teams is best.

He said as eight-team women's and wheelchair tournaments were confirmed: "The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport and RLWC2026 promises to be the best and most competitive ever staged.

“I have every confidence the Australian Rugby League Commission will deliver the best World Cup on record.

“We have all been impressed by its venture into Las Vegas and have no doubt it will elevate the Rugby League World Cup to a new level.

"The condensed format at RLWC2026 will mean every single match is competitive."

New Zealand was heavily touted as hosting the World Cup, which has been moved back a year after France withdrew.

But sources say Aussie Government money, linked to both the multi-billion pound AUKUS defence deal and the push to get a PNG side in the NRL, is underwriting the move there.

That means the Kiwis, where the 13-a-side code has taken huge strides in recent years, have missed out.