Rugby League vs Rugby Union: Which Rugby World Cup Is in 2026?
There are two different Rugby World Cups, and only one of them is being played in 2026.
That’s why so many fans search for the “Rugby World Cup 2026” and end up confused about which sport, dates, teams and venues they’re looking at.
The Rugby World Cup being played in 2026 is the Rugby League World Cup, from 15 October to 15 November across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The next Rugby Union World Cup is a year later, from 1 October to 13 November 2027, also hosted in Australia.
Below, we explain the difference between rugby league and rugby union, and how the two World Cups compare.
If you’re here for the 2026 tournament, you’ll also find links to our full schedule, tickets and squad guides for every team.
Quick Answer: Which Rugby World Cup Is in 2026?
- 2026: Rugby League World Cup, 15 October to 15 November 2026
- Hosts: Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
- Next Rugby Union World Cup: 1 October to 13 November 2027, in Australia
- Biggest difference: 13 players a side in league, 15 in union
- Governing bodies: International Rugby League (league) and World Rugby (union)
Is There a Rugby World Cup in 2026?
Yes, but it’s the rugby league version. There is no men’s Rugby Union World Cup in 2026.
Here’s how the two tournaments compare side by side.
| Rugby League World Cup 2026 | Rugby World Cup 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | Rugby league | Rugby union |
| Dates | 15 October to 15 November 2026 | 1 October to 13 November 2027 |
| Hosts | Australia, New Zealand and PNG | Australia |
| Men’s teams | 10 (plus Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups) | 24 |
| Final | 15 Nov 2026, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 13 Nov 2027, Stadium Australia, Sydney |
| Defending champions | Australia | South Africa |
| Governing body | International Rugby League | World Rugby |
What’s the Difference Between Rugby League and Rugby Union?
Both codes use the same oval ball and similar pitches, but the rules change how each game is played.
| Feature | Rugby league | Rugby union |
|---|---|---|
| Players per side | 13 | 15 |
| Possession | Six-tackle rule, then the ball changes hands | Contested at rucks and mauls |
| Lineouts | None | Yes |
| Try | 4 points | 5 points |
| Conversion | 2 points | 2 points |
| Penalty goal | 2 points | 3 points |
| Drop goal | 1 point | 3 points |
The six-tackle rule is the big one. In league, a team gets six tackles to score before handing the ball over, which makes the game fast and open.
Union is more about set pieces like scrums, lineouts and rucks, where teams fight for the ball after every tackle.
Why Are There Two Kinds of Rugby?
Rugby split into two codes in 1895, in the north of England.
Northern clubs wanted to pay working-class players for time lost at work. The union authorities refused, so the northern clubs broke away and formed what became rugby league.
Rugby union stayed officially amateur until 1995, while league developed its own faster rules over the following decades.
Where Is Each Code Most Popular?
Rugby league is strongest in Australia, New Zealand, the north of England, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. In PNG, it’s the national sport.
Rugby union is played in more countries worldwide, including South Africa, France, Ireland, Argentina and Japan.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 at a Glance
The 2026 tournament features three World Cups at once: Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair, with 53 matches in nine host cities.
It opens with Australia v New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 15 October. See every match in our Rugby League World Cup 2026 schedule.
Tickets start from $19 AUD, and every match is free to watch in Australia on Seven and 7plus. Read our tickets guide and how to watch guide.
Rugby World Cup 2027 (Union) at a Glance
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is the biggest ever, with 24 teams and 52 matches across seven Australian cities.
It opens with Australia v Hong Kong China in Perth on 1 October 2027, and the final is at Stadium Australia in Sydney on 13 November 2027.
For official updates, visit rugbyworldcup.com.
Rugby League vs Rugby Union World Cup: FAQ
Is there a Rugby World Cup in 2026?
Yes. The Rugby League World Cup runs from 15 October to 15 November 2026. There is no men’s Rugby Union World Cup until 2027.
Is the Rugby World Cup league or union?
“Rugby World Cup” usually means the rugby union tournament. The rugby league version is always called the Rugby League World Cup.
When is the next Rugby Union World Cup?
The next men’s Rugby Union World Cup is from 1 October to 13 November 2027 in Australia.
What is the main difference between rugby league and rugby union?
Rugby league has 13 players a side and a six-tackle rule. Rugby union has 15 players and contests the ball at rucks, mauls and lineouts.
Who are the current World Cup champions?
Australia won the last Rugby League World Cup. South Africa won the last Rugby Union World Cup in 2023. See every league champion in our Rugby League World Cup winners list.
Summary: Which Rugby World Cup Is in 2026?
If you’re looking for a Rugby World Cup in 2026, it’s the Rugby League World Cup, starting on 15 October.
The Rugby Union World Cup follows in 2027, also in Australia. For official league news, follow International Rugby League.
