SYDNEY, NSW\u00a0(November 23, 2025) New South Wales has secured a massive 16-match schedule for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, confirming the state as the nation’s sporting heartland. Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong are all set to host key fixtures.<\/p>\n
The confirmed schedule features a host of major matches, including the highly anticipated Opening Game between rivals Australia and New Zealand at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.<\/p>\n
The strong line-up, which includes both Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s fixtures, will see games played at top-tier venues across NSW:<\/p>\n
Semi-Finals: Both the Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s Semi-Finals will be hosted in the state, split between Sydney and Newcastle.<\/p>\n
Double-Headers: Multiple Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s double-headers are locked in for CommBank Stadium (Sydney), McDonald Jones Stadium (Newcastle), and WIN Stadium (Wollongong).<\/p>\n
Wollongong is set for a particularly action-packed day on October 30, 2026, hosting a dynamic Round Three Friday night double-header at WIN Stadium. This will feature England\u2019s women taking on Fetu Samoa, followed by the crucial Men’s group match between The Lions (England) and the PNG Kumuls.<\/p>\n
In a major boost for the Illawarra region, the entire Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will be staged at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said the tournament would “draw thousands of fans to our beautiful region,” boosting the local economy and supporting jobs.<\/p>\n
The Rugby League World Cup 2026 is expected to attract more than 32,000 fans to New South Wales, delivering an estimated $19 million into the state\u2019s visitor economy. This financial injection will benefit hotels, pubs, restaurants, and local businesses across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and surrounding regions.<\/p>\n
NSW Premier Chris Minns highlighted the state\u2019s ability to deliver unforgettable sporting moments. \u201cHosting key matches in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong gives fans across the state a chance to be part of the international celebration of one of our favourite sports,” he said.<\/p>\n
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper added that the event is a “big win for our state and for rugby league fans,” strengthening NSW as Australia\u2019s home of major events.<\/p>\n
Australian Rugby League Chairman Peter V\u2019landys AM expressed confidence in the event\u2019s success, stating, “This will be the best and most successful Rugby League World Cup on record.”<\/p>\n
The tournament’s staging aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which seeks to grow the visitor economy by building a dynamic calendar of major events. The World Cup adds to NSW\u2019s already impressive 2026 major sporting lineup, which includes the New Year\u2019s Ashes Test, AFC Women\u2019s Asian Cup, and the NRL & NRLW Grand Finals.<\/p>\n
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