The NRL has announced the draw for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and its shaping up to be a winner for the Australian hospitality industry.

Kicking off on 15 October 2026, 14 nations and 26 teams will play 53 matches over 31 days. It will be staged across three countries and nine host cities, including Sydney, Port Moresby, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Brisbane, Wollongong, Gold Coast and Townsville. 

Sixteen matches haave been locked in for NSW, including the blockbuster Opening Game between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, multiple Men’s and Women’s double-headers at CommBank Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium and WIN Stadium, and both Men’s and Women’s Semi-Finals in Sydney and Newcastle.

In a major boost for the Illawarra region, the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will also be staged at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

It’s estimated the matches will attract more than 32,000 fans to NSW and inject over $19 million into the NSW visitor economy, delivering significant economic benefits for hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and surrounding regions.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “This is another big win for our state and for rugby league fans.

“Securing the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will bring visitors from across Australia and around the world, supporting local jobs and showcasing our great cities and coastal communities.

“Fans will pack Allianz Stadium for the blockbuster opening game between Australia and New Zealand.

“From Parramatta to Newcastle to Wollongong, supporters will enjoy an international festival of rugby league that strengthens NSW as Australia’s home of major events.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland securing three of the eight host city destinations was a tremendous win for the state.

“The Rugby League World Cup provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville globally, reaffirming Queensland’s standing as a leading host for world-class events,” he said.

“This allows us to continue to position Queensland at the forefront of international sport and send a clear signal we can compete at the highest level on and off the field.

“We also know Queenslanders are rugby league mad and, together with the visitors expected to travel for the games, will create an unmatched atmosphere.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said locking in key matches – including two Grand Finals – demonstrated the State’s commitment to securing major events for Queensland under the Destination 2045 plan.

“We are serious about making Queensland the events capital of the nation, and that will have huge positive impacts for the state’s visitor economy,” he said.

“These matches will attract 110,000 interstate and international visitors, injecting more than $18 million into the state.”

Learn more about the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.