Perth has been confirmed to host two double-header matches next year when Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea host the Rugby League World Cup.
Held every four years, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will feature 10 men’s teams, eight women’s teams, and eight wheelchair teams.
Secured by the WA Government through Tourism Western Australia, the event will take place over five weeks in October and November 2026, with Perth’s double-header matches taking place at HBF Park across two weekends in Round One and Round Two.
“Western Australians love their sport, no matter the code, and bringing the world’s best rugby league players to Perth adds to our State’s reputation as a global sports destination,” said WA Premier, Roger Cook.
“These two double-headers, including with Australia, helps deliver on my government’s priority to diversify our economy and create more jobs for Western Australians.
“Bringing Rugby League World Cup matches to WA in 2026 adds to the excitement ahead of the Perth Bears entering the National Rugby League just months later – there is no better time to be a WA League fan.”
WA has secured matches between Australia, England, Wales, Tonga, and France.
Each of the international teams travelling to Perth will be hosted by a local rugby league club, providing opportunities for the WA community to interact with some of their favourite players. Training sessions will also be made open to the public.
“Securing not one, but two double-headers for the Rugby League World Cup is a fantastic result for Perth, adding to the series of massive rugby league events we’ve hosted here in WA,” said Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby.
“I look forward to welcoming the teams and fans to WA, where our world-class sporting infrastructure will be on display to the rest of the world, reinforcing our State’s reputation as the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region.”
Find out more and purchase tickets at www.rlwc2026.com.
