The 2026 Rugby League World Cup, including the women's tournament where the Jillaroos will defend their crown, has received a multi-million dollar funding boost from the federal government.
Featuring 10 men's, eight women's and eight wheelchair teams, the three tournaments will run parallel, jointly hosted by Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
The 26 teams from 16 nations will feature in 51 matches across five weeks, with Fiji and Wales making their first appearance in the women's draw.
Australia and New Zealand open the men's competition on Friday, October 15 at Sydney's Allianz Stadium while the Jillaroos play Samoa in the first women's pool match a day later across town at CommBank Stadium.
Games will mostly be held in Australia, although PNG will host two men's and women's round robin matches while a double-header will be held at the Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.
