April 2, 2026 (Langford, BC) — Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup is underway, and 2026 preparations begin in Edmonton this summer. The inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup brings world-class rugby back to the city over two thrilling weekends this July.
The World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 marks the inaugural biennial global competition featuring teams from both hemispheres in July and November windows. The competition sees the 12 unions who qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 compete in a structured environment designed to accelerate unprecedented levels of competitive international rugby and create certainty of meaningful annual test fixtures with revenue opportunities moving forward.
“Last year we were well received in Alberta, so we’re looking forward to going back. 2026 is a massively important year for this team and that all begins in Edmonton,” said Stephen Meehan, Head Coach. “A couple of the teams we know from experience: 12 months prior, we lost a heartbreaker to Spain and we recently played Portugal, who are the newly crowned Rugby Europe Champions. Playing the likes of teams that are in our Nations Cup pool gives you the opportunity to play against your peers, see where you’re improving, and the areas you need to continue to work on.”
Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will kick off the first two matches of the three series tour in Edmonton. Canada will begin the tour with what is surely to be a thrilling rematch against Spain on July 4, who just shy of a year ago, beat the Canadians with a penalty kick on the final play to secure a 24-23 win.
The following weekend on July 11, fans will be treated to a double header of rugby action, with Tonga arriving in Edmonton to take on Spain and Canada versus Portugal in the second match of the day. The last meeting between Canada and Portugal finished with a tight 27-33 defeat for the Canadians in the November 2025 Autumn Test series. The third round of the Nations Cup will move to Winnipeg—additional details, including ticket on-sale information, will be announced soon.
Playing on home soil always represents a special moment for Canada’s players but Alberta locals Brock Gallagher, Austin Creighton, Dewald Kotze, Calgary, Ben LeSage and Matthew Oworu, the chance to be named to the Nations Cup squad would provide that unique home-grown connection.
Both Edmonton matches will be played at Clarke Stadium with a newly increased capacity of over 6,000.
“Edmonton scored a spectacular try! We proudly welcome Rugby Canada and all fans back to Clarke Stadium to kick off the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup,” said Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack. “We’re thrilled to continue to attract elite athletes and international competitions to Alberta’s capital sports city. Building on the success of last year’s international test matches, the City of Edmonton together with Explore Edmonton and Rugby Canada looks forward to delivering high performance sport, tourism and economic benefits through the two matches: Canada versus Spain and Portugal on July 4th and 11th.”
“Hosting Rugby Canada is a powerful example of why Edmonton continues to be recognized as the #1 Sports Hosting City in Canada,” said Traci Bednard, President & CEO, Explore Edmonton. “These matches are expected to generate more than $7 million in total economic impact while creating vibrant experiences for both residents and visitors. We’re proud to work with our partners to continue attracting world-class sporting events that drive visitation, economic growth, and global attention for our city.”
“Rugby Alberta looks forward to partnering with Rugby Canada, the Edmonton Rugby Union, the Calgary Rugby Union and all individual rugby clubs across our province to make the upcoming matches a success,” said Chris Cooke, President of Rugby Alberta. “While the matches themselves will be great entertainment and a chance for our community to show their passion for the game, I am very excited to also see all of the related activities we can make happen in the Greater Edmonton area to connect our national team players with grassroots rugby participants.”
Rugby Alberta and the Edmonton Rugby Union are collaborating to deliver an extensive schedule of community events in the Edmonton region around the Nations Cup matches that will create positive community impact.
The Alberta rugby community has also been offered the opportunity to fundraise via purchasing club group tickets, details of which have been distributed.
Rugby Canada would like to thank the City of Edmonton and Explore Edmonton for their support in bringing international rugby back to Alberta.
Canada’s Nations Cup pre-tournament camp squad will be announced in June. All Nations Cup matches will be televised live on TSN.
Further details including TSN broadcast specifics and media accreditation applications will be announced shortly.
TICKETS
Tickets for the July 4 match start at $42.50. Tickets for both matches on July 11 start at $55.25.
NATIONS CUP 3-GAME PACKAGE EDMONTON MATCHES
Get more rugby for less! Three-Game Passes get fans into both weekends (July 4 and July 11), to witness three world-class rugby matches, while saving up to 15% versus purchasing single game tickets. Purchase now at ticketmaster.
2026 NATIONS CUP SCHEDULE
Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Spain
Saturday July 4, 2026
7:00 pm MDT / 6:00pm PDT / 9:00pm ET
Clarke Stadium, Edmonton
Tonga vs Spain
Saturday July 11, 2026
3:45pm MDT / 2:45pm PDT / 5:45pm ET
Clarke Stadium, Edmonton
Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Portugal
Saturday July 11, 2026
7:00pm MDT / 6:00pm PDT / 9:00pm ET
Clarke Stadium, Edmonton
Tonga vs Portugal
Saturday July 18, 2026
3:45pm CDT / 1:45pm PDT / 4:45pm ET
Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg
Tickets on sale April 10, 2026
Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Zimbabwe
Saturday July 18, 2026
7:00 pm CDT / 5:00pm PDT / 8:00pm ET
Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg
Tickets on sale April 10, 2026