Fiji Rugby League Next Game: World Cup 2026 Fixtures
When do the Fiji Bati play next at the Rugby League World Cup 2026, and what time is it on back home in Suva?
Fiji have reached three World Cup semi-finals, and this year they face Australia and New Zealand in the toughest pool of all.
Fiji’s next game is against the Cook Islands on Sunday 18 October 2026 in Newcastle, kicking off at 5:05pm Fiji time (4:05pm Sydney, 6:05am UK).
After that, the Bati play Australia in Brisbane on 25 October and New Zealand on the Gold Coast on 31 October.
Below, you’ll find every Fiji fixture in Fiji, Sydney and UK time, the TV channels, the team and the Bulikula fixtures.
We update this page after every match, so it always shows the Bati’s next game and latest result first.
Quick Answer: Fiji Rugby League Next Game
- Next game: Fiji v Cook Islands, Sunday 18 October 2026
- Kick-off: 5:05pm Fiji (4:05pm Sydney, 6:05am UK)
- Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- Watch: Seven and 7plus (Australia), Sky Sport (NZ), Premier Sports (UK)
- Opponents: Cook Islands, Australia and New Zealand
- Last updated: 13 October 2026
When Is Fiji’s Next Game?
The Bati open their Rugby League World Cup 2026 against the Cook Islands on Sunday 18 October in Newcastle.
It’s the game Fiji will most want to win, before back-to-back matches against the two favourites.
Fiji start as clear favourites, with NRL stars like Apisai Koroisau and Sunia Turuva in the team.
See what the Aitu are planning on our Cook Islands next game page.
Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Fixtures
All three of Fiji’s pool matches are in Australia, in Newcastle, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
| Date | Match | Venue | Fiji | Sydney | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 Oct | Fiji v Cook Islands | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | 5:05pm | 4:05pm | 6:05am |
| Sun 25 Oct | Australia v Fiji | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 9:05pm | 8:05pm | 9:05am |
| Sat 31 Oct | New Zealand v Fiji | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | 4:45pm | 3:45pm | 4:45am |
Fiji is one hour ahead of Sydney during the tournament, so every match is an afternoon or evening kick-off back home.
The Australia match is the late one, at 9:05pm Fiji time on Sunday 25 October.
What Time Is Fiji vs Cook Islands?
Fiji vs Cook Islands kicks off at 5:05pm Fiji time on Sunday 18 October.
That’s 4:05pm in Sydney, 6:05pm in New Zealand and 6:05am in the UK.
In the Cook Islands, it’s 7:05pm on Saturday 17 October, because they’re a day behind.
Fiji’s women also play New Zealand at the same ground that day, so it’s a big Fijian double-header in Newcastle.
What Channel Is Fiji Rugby League On?
Every Fiji match is shown live in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
- Australia: Free on the Seven Network and 7plus
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports (subscription)
Fiji’s local TV broadcaster for 2026 hasn’t been confirmed yet. We’ll add it here as soon as it’s announced.
Following the Bati to Australia? A VPN like NordVPN keeps your home streaming account working and protects you on public Wi-Fi. (We may earn a commission.)
For other countries, see our guide to watching the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Fiji Team List v Cook Islands
Fiji’s team for the opener was named on Tuesday 13 October, with Apisai Koroisau as captain. Here’s the official 17, as published on NRL.com.
| No. | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayleigh Bentley-Hape | Fullback |
| 2 | Sunia Turuva | Wing |
| 3 | Waqa Blake | Centre |
| 4 | Solomone Saukuru | Centre |
| 5 | Semi Valemei | Wing |
| 6 | Kurt Donoghoe | Five-eighth |
| 7 | Brandon Wakeham | Halfback |
| 8 | Jacob Saifiti | Prop |
| 9 | Apisai Koroisau | Hooker |
| 10 | Mitchell Prest | Prop |
| 11 | Taane Milne | Second row |
| 12 | Kitione Kautoga | Second row |
| 13 | Caleb Navale | Lock |
| 14 | Josese Lanyon | Bench |
| 15 | Emosi Ravosai | Bench |
| 16 | Elijah Keung | Bench |
| 17 | Ronald Philitoga | Bench |
Coaches can still make late changes, so the final 17 is confirmed shortly before kick-off.
See the Cook Islands’ team, and every other Round 1 side, on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 team lists page.
Fiji Team 2026: The Big Selection Calls
Apisai Koroisau captains the side from hooker and runs the attack around the ruck.
Brandon Wakeham and Kurt Donoghoe form the halves, with Bayleigh Bentley-Hape at fullback.
Jacob Saifiti returns at prop after serving a four-game suspension.
Sunia Turuva and Semi Valemei bring pace and power out wide.
Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Squad
Fiji named their 23-man squad on 5 October, cut down from a 40-man extended group.
Leeds winger Maika Sivo misses the tournament with an arm and shoulder injury.
Viliame Kikau is also not in the final 23, while Latu Fainu now plays for Tonga.
See every player and club on our Fiji Rugby League World Cup squad page.
Has Fiji Ever Won the Rugby League World Cup?
Not yet. Fiji’s best World Cup results are semi-finals in 2008, 2013 and 2017.
At the last World Cup in England in 2022, the Bati reached the quarter-finals before a close loss to New Zealand.
Only Samoa, who reached the 2022 final, have gone further among the Pacific nations in recent years.
Another semi-final would mean finishing in the top two of the hardest pool at this tournament.
Can Fiji Reach the Rugby League World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals?
Fiji are in Pool A with Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
Only the top two in Pool A reach the semi-finals, so Fiji need to beat the Cook Islands and cause an upset.
Their best chance is likely the final pool match against New Zealand on the Gold Coast, close to a big Fijian community.
Follow the table and every score on our Rugby League World Cup results page.
Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Results
Fiji haven’t played yet. Their first result comes on Sunday 18 October.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Fiji v Cook Islands | 18 October, to be played |
| Australia v Fiji | 25 October, to be played |
| New Zealand v Fiji | 31 October, to be played |
We add each score here straight after the final whistle.
The next game at the top of this page also changes after every match.
Fiji Bulikula Women’s World Cup Fixtures
Fiji’s women, the Bulikula, are playing at their first Women’s World Cup, in a group with New Zealand, PNG and France.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 Oct | New Zealand v Fiji | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle |
| Sat 24 Oct | PNG v Fiji | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby |
| Sat 31 Oct | Fiji v France | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast |
Two of their games are double-headers with the Bati, in Newcastle and on the Gold Coast.
The top two in each women’s group reach the semi-finals.
Former Fiji international Joe Dakuitoga coaches the Bulikula.
Fiji Rugby League World Cup Tickets
Tickets for Fiji’s matches start from $19 AUD on Ticketmaster, the official seller.
The Newcastle and Gold Coast double-headers give you two Fiji matches for one ticket.
Big Fijian crowds are expected, so buy early for the best seats.
Flying in from Fiji? An Australia eSIM from Airalo keeps your phone working from the moment you land.
Fiji Schedule Updates
13 October 2026: Page published with Fiji’s three pool fixtures, kick-off times and the team for the Cook Islands match.
Next update: any late changes to Fiji’s 17 before kick-off.
After full-time on 18 October, we’ll add the score and move the next game to Australia vs Fiji.
Fiji Rugby League Next Game: FAQ
Here are quick answers to the questions fans ask most about the Bati’s World Cup.
Each answer starts with the key fact, so you can find it fast.
For full details, see the fixture and team sections above.
When do Fiji play next?
Fiji play the Cook Islands on Sunday 18 October 2026 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Kick-off is 5:05pm Fiji time, which is 4:05pm in Sydney.
It’s Fiji’s first match of the tournament.
Who do Fiji play at the Rugby League World Cup 2026?
The Cook Islands on 18 October, Australia on 25 October and New Zealand on 31 October.
All three are Pool A matches in Australia.
The top two in Pool A reach the semi-finals.
What time is Australia vs Fiji in Fiji?
9:05pm Fiji time on Sunday 25 October.
That’s 8:05pm in Sydney and 9:05am in the UK.
The match is at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Who is Fiji’s captain at the World Cup?
Apisai Koroisau captains Fiji in the opener against the Cook Islands.
He plays hooker for the Wests Tigers.
He’s one of the most experienced players in the squad.
Conclusion
Fiji’s World Cup starts against the Cook Islands in Newcastle on 18 October.
Then come Australia in Brisbane and New Zealand on the Gold Coast, with a semi-final place the goal.
Bookmark this page, because we update the next game, team news and results after every match.
For official tournament news, visit rlwc2026.com.
