- Perth is set to host Round One and Two of the Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea hosting the 2026 event, held once every four years
- Australia and England will play matches in Perth
- Supports the Cook Government's commitment to diversify the economy so it remains strongest in the nation
Perth will host two double-header matches next year when Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea host the Rugby League World Cup.
Held every four years, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will feature 10 men's teams, eight women's teams, and eight wheelchair teams.
Secured by the Cook Government through Tourism Western Australia, the event will take place over five weeks in October and November 2026, with Perth's double-header matches taking place at HBF Park across two weekends in Round One and Round Two.
WA has secured matches between Australia, England, Wales, Tonga, and France.
Each of the international teams travelling to Perth will be hosted by a local rugby league club, providing opportunities for the WA community to interact with some of their favourite players. Training sessions will also be made open to the public.
The Rugby League World Cup continues to build momentum ahead of the Perth Bears' historic debut in the NRL Premiership in 2027, with WA's passion for rugby league reaching new heights.
Major events, like Rugby League World Cup 2026, demonstrate the Cook Government's commitment to economic diversification, helping build a year-round events calendar that attracts out-of-state visitors and grows the State's visitor economy to boost local business and jobs.
Find out more and purchase tickets at www.rlwc2026.com
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Western Australians love their sport, no matter the code, and bringing the world's best rugby league players to Perth adds to our State's reputation as a global sports destination.
"These two double-headers, including with Australia, helps deliver on my government's priority to diversify our economy and create more jobs for Western Australians.
"Bringing Rugby League World Cup matches to WA in 2026 adds to the excitement ahead of the Perth Bears entering the National Rugby League just months later - there is no better time to be a WA League fan."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Bringing the Rugby League World Cup to Perth is another example of how we're strengthening community sport at every level, from hosting world-class events to supporting pathways for young Western Australians to get involved.
"The opportunity for local players and fans to connect with international teams will be a huge boost for the sport, supporting participation and strengthening WA's rugby league pathways.
"Securing these matches is a great win for Western Australia and reflects our growing reputation as a premier sporting destination.
"The event will bring visitors to Perth from across the world and help showcase our first-class facilities while boosting the local economy.
"Our government is proud to be part of another major sporting event that's supporting local jobs and putting WA on the map."
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Securing not one, but two double-headers for the Rugby League World Cup is a fantastic result for Perth, adding to the series of massive rugby league events we've hosted here in WA.
"Major events like this play a vital role in the Cook Government's strategy to grow and diversify Western Australia's visitor economy, drawing visitors to our fantastic State and boosting local businesses and jobs by filling our hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
"I look forward to welcoming the teams and fans to WA, where our world-class sporting infrastructure will be on display to the rest of the world, reinforcing our State's reputation as the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region."
