Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026
The Women’s Rugby League World Cup has only ever been won by two countries, New Zealand and Australia, since it began in 2000.
In 2026, six other nations want to change that, and thanks to the growth of the NRLW, the tournament has never been more competitive.
So when does it start, who’s playing, and where can you watch it?
The Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 runs from 16 October to 15 November, with eight teams across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and the Final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Australia’s Jillaroos are the defending champions, and they open the tournament against Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Friday 16 October.
Below, you’ll find the full schedule, both groups, the teams to watch and how to follow every match on TV.
Quick Answer: Women’s RLWC 2026
- Dates: 16 October to 15 November 2026
- Teams: 8, in two groups of four
- Opening match: Australia v Samoa, Friday 16 October, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
- Final: Sunday 15 November, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Match length: 70 minutes
- Defending champions: Australia
Women’s World Cup 2026 Teams and Groups
Eight nations are split into two groups of four.
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Australia, England, Samoa, Wales |
| Group B | New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, France |
How Did Each Team Qualify?
Australia, New Zealand, England and Papua New Guinea qualified automatically as semi-finalists from the last World Cup.
France and Wales won the European qualifying tournaments, and Samoa won the Pacific qualifier in 2024.
Fiji took the final spot by winning the first IRL World Series, held in Canada in 2025.
How the Women’s World Cup Works
Each team plays the other three teams in its group once. The top two in each group reach the semi-finals on 7 and 8 November.
Matches last 70 minutes rather than 80, the same as Australia’s NRLW competition.
Most women’s matches are double-headers with the men’s World Cup, so one ticket often covers two games.
Women’s Rugby League World Cup Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 16 Oct | Australia v Samoa | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta |
| Sat 17 Oct | England v Wales | HBF Park, Perth |
| Sat 17 Oct | PNG v France | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby |
| Sun 18 Oct | New Zealand v Fiji | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle |
| Fri 23 Oct | Samoa v Wales | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta |
| Sat 24 Oct | Australia v England | HBF Park, Perth |
| Sat 24 Oct | Fiji v PNG | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby |
| Sun 25 Oct | New Zealand v France | One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch |
| Fri 30 Oct | England v Samoa | WIN Stadium, Wollongong |
| Sat 31 Oct | Fiji v France | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast |
| Sat 31 Oct | New Zealand v PNG | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast |
| Sun 1 Nov | Australia v Wales | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta |
| 7–8 Nov | Semi-finals | Newcastle and Sydney |
| Sun 15 Nov | Final | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
The semi-finals are double-headers with the men’s semis, at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
For kick-off times, see our full RLWC 2026 schedule. The official draw is published on rlwc2026.com.
Teams to Watch
Australia (Jillaroos)
The Jillaroos have won the last three Women’s World Cups, in 2013, 2017 and 2021.
At home, they start as clear favourites for a fourth straight title. See the full squad on our Jillaroos World Cup squad page.
New Zealand (Kiwi Ferns)
The Kiwi Ferns won the first three Women’s World Cups and have reached every final since. See all 23 players on our Kiwi Ferns World Cup squad page.
They are Australia’s biggest threat once again.
England
Coach Stuart Barrow has named a 23-player squad with four potential debutants, including NRLW star Jasmin Strange. See every player on our England Women squad page.
For the first time, England have picked Australian-based heritage players. Read more on our England World Cup squad page.
Samoa, Fiji and PNG
Fetu Samoa, the Fiji Bulikula and the PNG Orchids have all been strengthened by NRLW players and new eligibility rules.
Follow their teams on our Samoa, Fiji and PNG squad pages.
How to Watch the Women’s World Cup
- Australia: Seven Network and 7plus
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- Papua New Guinea: Digicel
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports, which is showing every match of all three tournaments
For more countries, see our guide to watching RLWC 2026.
Tickets for Women’s World Cup Matches
Because most women’s games are double-headers, your ticket usually covers the men’s match too.
Tickets start from $19 AUD. Our RLWC 2026 tickets guide shows where to buy safely.
Women’s Rugby League World Cup Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2000 | New Zealand |
| 2003 | New Zealand |
| 2008 | New Zealand |
| 2013 | Australia |
| 2017 | Australia |
| 2021 | Australia |
See the men’s and wheelchair winners too in our Rugby League World Cup winners list.
Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026: FAQ
When is the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026?
It runs from 16 October to 15 November 2026, with the Final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
How many teams are in the Women’s World Cup 2026?
Eight teams: Australia, England, Samoa and Wales in Group A, and New Zealand, Fiji, PNG and France in Group B.
How long is a women’s World Cup match?
Women’s matches at RLWC 2026 last 70 minutes, the same length as the NRLW.
Who are the defending champions?
Australia’s Jillaroos are the defending champions. They won the 2021 tournament, played in 2022.
Who has won the most Women’s Rugby League World Cups?
Australia and New Zealand have both won three titles each.
Where can I watch the Women’s World Cup in the UK?
Premier Sports is showing every match live in the UK and Ireland.
Is there a Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2026?
Yes. The Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 runs from 16 October to 15 November in Australia, New Zealand and PNG.
The Women’s Rugby (union) World Cup is a different tournament. It was last played in England in 2025, and the next one is in Australia in 2029. See our rugby league vs rugby union guide.
Summary: Women’s RLWC 2026
Eight teams, one month and a Final in Brisbane: this is the biggest Women’s World Cup yet.
The Jillaroos start as favourites, but the Kiwi Ferns and a stronger group of Pacific nations will push them all the way.
It all starts on 16 October, when Australia face Samoa in Parramatta. For official news, follow International Rugby League.
