Tonga vs Lebanon Rugby League World Cup 2026
Can Lebanon get revenge for 2017, or will Mate Ma’a Tonga beat the Cedars again on the World Cup stage?
The last time they met, in the 2017 World Cup quarter-final in Christchurch, Tonga won by just two points, 24-22.
Tonga vs Lebanon is on Friday 23 October 2026 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, kicking off at 8:05pm Sydney time (10:05pm Tonga, 12:05pm Lebanon, 10:05am UK).
It’s Round 2 of the combined Pools B and C, and Western Sydney has big Tongan and Lebanese communities.
Below, you’ll find the kick-off time in every country, both teams, the head-to-head record, our prediction, the TV channels and tickets.
We’ll add both Round 2 team lists as soon as they’re named, any late changes on match day, and the result straight after full-time.
Quick Answer: Tonga vs Lebanon Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Date: Friday 23 October 2026
- Kick-off: 8:05pm Sydney, 10:05pm Tonga, 12:05pm Lebanon, 10:05am UK
- Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
- Last meeting: Tonga 24-22 Lebanon, 2017 World Cup quarter-final
- Double-header: Samoa vs Wales women plays first
- Watch: Seven and 7plus (Australia), Sky Sport (NZ), Premier Sports (UK)
What Time Is Tonga vs Lebanon?
Tonga vs Lebanon kicks off at 8:05pm Sydney time on Friday 23 October.
| Where you are | Kick-off time |
|---|---|
| Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra | 8:05pm Friday |
| Brisbane | 7:05pm Friday |
| Tonga | 10:05pm Friday |
| New Zealand | 10:05pm Friday |
| Lebanon | 12:05pm Friday |
| UK | 10:05am Friday |
Fans in Lebanon get a lunchtime kick-off, while it’s a late Friday night in Tonga.
Samoa vs Wales in the women’s World Cup is played first, at 5:50pm.
Tonga vs Lebanon Team Lists
Round 2 teams haven’t been named yet. Coaches usually name their 17 on the Tuesday of match week, around 20 October.
| No. | Tonga | Lebanon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lehi Hopoate | Jacob Kiraz |
| 2 | Dallin Watene-Zelezniak | Tony Francis |
| 3 | Tolutau Koula | Michael Gabrael |
| 4 | Robert Toia | Jordan Samrani |
| 5 | Jojo Fifita | Jason Saab |
| 6 | Latu Fainu | Khaled Rajab |
| 7 | Isaiya Katoa | Alex Conti |
| 8 | Addin Fonua-Blake | Jaxson Rahme |
| 9 | Soni Luke | Yehya Ayache |
| 10 | Jason Taumalolo | James Roumanos |
| 11 | Haumole Olakau’atu | Tony Sukkar |
| 12 | Siua Wong | Charbel Tasipale |
| 13 | Tyson Frizell | Alex Twal |
| 14 | Salesi Foketi | Moustafa Dirani |
| 15 | Stefano Utoikamanu | Mikael Ibrahim |
| 16 | Demitric Vaimauga | Jalal Bazzaz |
| 17 | Leka Halasima | Khalil Rahme |
Until then, here’s how Tonga and Lebanon lined up in Round 1, as published on NRL.com.
Expect a few changes on both sides, depending on Round 1 results and injuries.
See every side as soon as it’s named on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 team lists page.
Tonga Players to Watch
Isaiya Katoa and Latu Fainu form Tonga’s young halves pairing.
Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo lead one of the best packs at the tournament.
Haumole Olakau’atu is a big threat on the edges.
Lebanon Players to Watch
Jacob Kiraz is Lebanon’s most dangerous attacking player.
Alex Twal and Tony Sukkar bring NRL experience to the pack.
Jason Saab adds pace and finishing on the wing.
Tonga vs Lebanon Head to Head
Tonga and Lebanon’s most famous meeting was the 2017 World Cup quarter-final in Christchurch.
| Year | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | World Cup quarter-final, Christchurch | Tonga 24-22 Lebanon |
Tonga won 24-22 in a tense finish, on their way to a semi-final against England.
Lebanon pushed Tonga all the way, and it remains one of the Cedars’ best World Cup performances.
This is the first time the two nations have met at a World Cup since then.
Tonga vs Lebanon Prediction
Tonga start as favourites, with a stronger pack and more depth across the squad.
Lebanon have quality in the backs and will have huge support in Western Sydney.
Our pick is Tonga by 12 to 18 points.
Both teams could still be in the race for the semi-finals, which adds to the pressure.
Where Is Tonga vs Lebanon Being Played?
The match is at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, in the heart of Western Sydney.
The stadium holds around 30,000 fans and is home to the Parramatta Eels.
It’s a short walk from Parramatta train station.
Western Sydney has large Tongan and Lebanese communities, so expect a lively crowd for both sides.
What Channel Is Tonga vs Lebanon On?
Tonga vs Lebanon is 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)
Local broadcasters in Tonga and Lebanon haven’t been confirmed yet. We’ll add them once they’re announced.
Following Tonga or Lebanon from overseas? 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 how to watch the Rugby League World Cup guide.
Tonga vs Lebanon Tickets
Tickets for Tonga vs Lebanon start from $19 AUD on Ticketmaster, the official seller.
Your ticket also covers Samoa vs Wales in the women’s World Cup.
Buy only from Ticketmaster, as resale tickets from other sites may not be valid.
Flying in for the match? An Australia eSIM from Airalo keeps your phone working from the moment you land.
Tonga vs Lebanon Result
The match hasn’t been played yet. It kicks off on Friday 23 October.
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Tonga v Lebanon, 23 October 2026 | To be played |
We’ll add the score and a short match report straight after full-time.
Every score from the tournament also goes on our results page.
Match Updates
15 October 2026: Page published with kick-off times, Round 1 teams, the head-to-head record and our prediction.
Next update: both Round 2 team lists, expected around Tuesday 20 October.
After full-time on 23 October, we’ll add the score and a short match report.
Tonga vs Lebanon: FAQ
Here are quick answers to the questions fans ask most about Tonga vs Lebanon.
Each answer starts with the key fact, so you can find it fast.
For full details, see the sections above.
What time is Tonga vs Lebanon rugby league?
8:05pm Sydney time on Friday 23 October 2026.
That’s 10:05pm in Tonga, 12:05pm in Lebanon and 10:05am in the UK.
It’s Round 2 for both teams.
Where is Tonga vs Lebanon being played?
At CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, Western Sydney.
It’s a double-header with Samoa vs Wales women.
The stadium holds around 30,000 fans.
When did Tonga and Lebanon last meet at a World Cup?
In the 2017 World Cup quarter-final in Christchurch.
Tonga won 24-22.
Tonga went on to reach the semi-finals.
What channel is Tonga vs Lebanon on?
Seven and 7plus show it free in Australia.
Sky Sport has it in New Zealand, and Premier Sports in the UK.
Local broadcasters in Tonga and Lebanon are still to be confirmed.
Conclusion
Tonga vs Lebanon in Parramatta on 23 October is a rematch of a classic World Cup quarter-final.
Tonga are favourites, but Lebanon will have a big crowd behind them.
Bookmark this page for the team lists and the result.
Follow both teams on our Tonga next game and Lebanon next game pages, and visit rlwc2026.com for official news.
