The Minns Labor Government has secured a blockbuster lineup of Rugby League World Cup 2026 matches for Wollongong, reinforcing the city's growing reputation as a world-class destination for international sporting events.
Thousands of English, Samoan and Papua New Guinean rugby league fans will descend on WIN Stadium for Round Three of the tournament on 30 October 2026. A dynamic Friday night double-header will see England's women taking on the pride and passion of Fetu Samoa before the crucial men's group match between The Lions from England and the might of the PNG Kumuls.
In a major boost for the Illawarra region, the entire Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will also be staged at the WIN Entertainment Centre, further demonstrating the city's ability to host unforgettable sporting moments.
With a further 14 matches to be played across Sydney and Newcastle, 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 the three host cities 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, Sydney Sail GP, 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 information on Rugby League World Cup 2026 fixtures and tickets visit www.rlwc2026.com.
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:
"This is a huge win for the Illawarra, and one that will draw thousands of fans to our beautiful region.
"Hosting global events like this will help drive investment and tourism in our region, boosting the local economy and supporting jobs.
"This is a great opportunity for the rest of the world to see what this region has to offer."
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"Securing the Rugby League World Cup is a great gong for Wollongong, coming on the back of recent global events that the Minns Government has supported the city to host like the World Triathlon Championship.
"Wollongong will be back on the world sporting stage giving us the opportunity show off the city and welcome fans of rugby league and fans from England, Samoa and Papua New Guinea."
