The Minns Labor Government has secured a blockbuster schedule of Rugby League World Cup 2026 matches, reinforcing NSW as the sporting capital of the nation with Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong all playing key host city roles.
A strong line-up of 16 matches has been locked in, including the blockbuster Opening Game between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, multiple Men's and Women's double-headers at CommBank Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium and WIN Stadium, and both Men's and Women's Semi-Finals in Sydney and Newcastle.
In a major boost for the Illawarra region, the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will also be staged at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, demonstrating the city's growing reputation as a world-class destination for major international sports.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 is estimated to attract more than 32,000 fans to NSW and inject over $19 million into the NSW visitor economy, delivering significant economic benefits for hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and surrounding regions.
Hosting the Rugby League World Cup 2026 aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to grow the visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035. A key pillar of the Strategy is building a dynamic, nation-leading calendar of major events that drives year-round visitation to support jobs and businesses that rely on tourism.
Today's announcement adds to NSW's unrivalled line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year's Ashes Test, AFC Women's Asian Cup, Sydney 500, Bathurst 1000, State of Origin, NRL & NRLW Grand Finals and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.
For more information on Rugby League World Cup 2026 fixtures and tickets visit: https://www.rlwc2026.com/home
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
"NSW is the nation's heartland of rugby league, and this announcement ensures our fans will get to see the world's best players right here at home.
"The Rugby League World Cup is a showcase of the game's growing global reach, and hosting 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.
"These events showcase the best of NSW - our world-class stadiums, passionate fans and our ability to deliver unforgettable sporting moments."
Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"This is another big win for our state and for rugby league fans.
"Securing the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will bring visitors from across Australia and around the world, supporting local jobs and showcasing our great cities and coastal communities.
"Fans will pack Allianz Stadium for the blockbuster opening game between Australia and New Zealand.
"From Parramatta to Newcastle to Wollongong, supporters will enjoy an international festival of rugby league that strengthens NSW as Australia's home of major events."
Australian Rugby League Chairman Peter V'landys AM said:
"Rugby League World Cup 2026 couldn't come at a better time on the back of record-breaking NRL and NRLW seasons, a successful Ashes series, and the most exciting Pacific Championships ever.
"Representing your country is the ultimate honour and doing so in a World Cup is the ultimate stage. The talent, skill, physicality, passion and raw emotion on display will be something like we have never seen before.
"This will be the best and most successful Rugby League World Cup on record."
