- Brisbane to host the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Men's and Women's Grand Finals at Suncorp Stadium.
- Blockbuster matches secured across the State with games to be staged in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville.
- Around 110,000 people expected to attend from interstate and overseas, injecting more than $18 million into the Queensland economy.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and cementing Queensland's budding reputation as the event's capital of the nation.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering its latest mega event coup with the winners of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup to be crowned in Brisbane.
In a major win for the State, both the men's and women's deciders and a blockbuster fixture between Australia and Fiji's men's teams will be played at Suncorp Stadium.
Three Queensland cities will host matches as part of the international rugby league spectacle, with Brisbane hosting the finals, and Gold Coast and Townsville staging events throughout the tournament – including a blockbuster match with the Australian's men team to play at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The significant coup has been made possible through the new Mega and Strategic Events Fund, committed as part of the state's bold 20-year tourism plan - Destination 2045.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and cementing Queensland's budding reputation as the events capital of the nation.
A triple header will be staged at Gold Coast's CBUS Super Stadium, featuring Samoa vs France (women), New Zealand vs Fiji (men) and New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea (women).
The Crisafulli Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, secured the events in partnership with Experience Gold Coast and Townsville Enterprise Limited.
Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland securing three of the eight host city destinations was a tremendous win for the State.
"The Rugby League World Cup provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville globally, reaffirming Queensland's standing as a leading host for world-class events," Premier Crisafulli said.
"This allows us to continue to position Queensland at the forefront of international sport and send a clear signal we can compete at the highest level on and off the field.
"We also know Queenslanders are rugby league mad and, together with the visitors expected to travel for the games, will create an unmatched atmosphere."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said locking in key matches – including two Grand Finals – demonstrated the State's commitment to securing major events for Queensland under the Destination 2045 plan.
"We are serious about making Queensland the events capital of the nation, and that will have huge positive impacts for the State's visitor economy," Minister Powell said.
"These matches will attract 110,000 interstate and international visitors, injecting more than $18 million into the State.
"We are turning the international spotlight on Queensland and paving the green and gold runway towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said Queensland was cementing its place as the home of Australian sport and bringing this world class event to multiple cities in our State is an outstanding outcome.
"Suncorp Stadium is the best rugby league stadium in the world, and there's simply no better stage to run out on for the Grand Final of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup," Minister Mander said.
"Rugby league is a part of Queensland's DNA and the benefits of not only securing the men's and women's Grand Final but bringing elite sporting content to Townsville and the Gold Coast, are enormous for fans and our local communities.
"Bringing major sporting events to our doorstop in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will strengthen our reputation as a sporting powerhouse while inspiring more Queenslanders to get active."
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said global events like the World Cup were key tourism drivers that deliver significant benefits to the whole State.
"In addition to strengthening our state's sporting legacy, the Rugby League World Cup's impact is far reaching, attracting passionate fans to our state to not only attend matches but stay, dine and explore," Mr Davidson said.
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the matches would deliver significant benefits for the region as an important economic contributor.
"We are thrilled the Gold Coast has been selected as a host of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and to welcome fans from around the world. Rugby League is part of the Gold Coast's DNA, and to see the world's best players take to the field here is something Gold Coasters will really get behind," Mayor Tate said.
