2026 Rugby League World Cup Schedule Unveiled: Wheelaroos Ready for a Home-Soil Campaign
The countdown to the largest Rugby League World Cup in history has officially begun, with the International Rugby League (IRL) today unveiling the full schedule for the 2026 tournament.
Australia will host the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups simultaneously in Australia, New Zealand and PNG — and excitement is already building around the prospect of the Wheelaroos fighting for glory in front of a home crowd.
A Landmark Moment for Wheelchair Rugby League
The 2026 World Cup marks a milestone moment for the growth of Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia. Following the 2025 Ashes Test Series and a growing national participation, the Wheelaroos will enter the tournament with momentum, confidence, and a renewed sense of belief.
NRL Wheelchair CEO Anna Fitzgerald said the home World Cup will be transformative:
“This is more than a tournament — it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our athletes, inspire new players and take Wheelchair Rugby League to every corner of the country. The Wheelaroos are ready.”
Tournament Format: 8 Nations, 2 Pools, 1 Champion
The Wheelchair World Cup will feature eight nations, split across two competitive pools. The Wheelchair tournament will run for 15 days, from 30 October to 13 November 2026.
Key competition details include:
- Eight nations competing across two pools
- Pool rounds played across nine days, offering fans daily world-class action
- Top four nations (two from each pool) progressing to the Semi-Finals
- Winners of each Semi-Final advancing to the Wheelchair World Cup Final
This format ensures more opportunities for fans across Australia to experience elite Wheelchair Rugby League.
Pool Draw Sets Up Blockbuster Match-Ups
Wheelchair World Cup Pools
The Wheelaroos have been drawn into Pool B, here’s what their fixture looks like.
Australian Wheelaroos – Pool B Fixtures:
- Round 1: Australia vs New Zealand – Saturday 31 October at 5.30PM AEDT – Woollongong
- Round 2: Australia vs Scotland – Tuesday 3rd November at 1.30PM AEDT – Woollongong
- Round 3: Australia vs France – Friday 6 November at 7.30PM AEDT – Woollongong
Wheelaroos Building Towards a Statement World Cup
After a strong showing in the 2025 Ashes rivalry and steady development across the squad, Head Coach Brett Clark believes his team is ready to rise to the pressure of a home World Cup.
“We’ve grown enormously in maturity and skill,” Clark said. “This group knows what it takes, and the chance to play in front of family, friends and a passionate Australian crowd will drive us every step.”
With an experienced leadership group mixed with young talent, the Wheelaroos are poised to make an impact, while a new wave of emerging talent will bolster squad depth leading into 2026.
LIVE & FREE on Channel 7
All the Wheelchair games will be broadcast LIVE & FREE on Seven and 7Plus platforms, providing exposure and visibility for the sport and ensuring fans all over don’t miss a minute of the action.
A Rallying Call to Australian Fans
With the schedule now live, anticipation is quickly rising. The Wheelaroos will not only compete for a world title — they’ll represent the heart, dedication and resilience of the Australian Rugby League community.
NRL Wheelchair encourages fans across Australia to secure their seats, follow the team’s journey, and be part of a defining moment in the sport’s history.
The world is coming. The Wheelaroos are ready.
Tickets will be available shortly and can be found via the official RLWC 2026 Website and directly on Ticketmaster.
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