New Zealand have booked places in both the men's and women's Rugby League World Cup finals after two convincing semi-final victories in Newcastle on Saturday, 7 November 2026, putting Australia in the spotlight ahead of Sunday's decisive matches. The men's Kiwis defeated Tonga 34-10, while the Kiwi Ferns beat Fetu Samoa 32-0. Australia now face Samoa in the men's competition and Fiji in the women's tournament, with both matches offering a chance to join New Zealand in next weekend's finals.
What the Tournament Is
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup runs from 15 October to 15 November across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. It brings together the leading international rugby league nations, with the men's competition featuring 10 teams, reduced from the 16-team field used at previous editions.
The tournament matters beyond the trophy itself. Australia and New Zealand have dominated the men's competition, winning 10 of the last 11 World Cups between them. New Zealand claimed the other title, while the emergence of Tonga and Samoa has offered a stronger challenge to that established order.
The Pacific nations have become a major attraction. Their supporters have brought large, passionate crowds to matches, while players with Pacific heritage have increasingly chosen to represent their ancestral countries. That combination of international quality and national pride has helped make this edition particularly compelling.
The women's competition is also reaching its decisive stage, with New Zealand already through to another final and Australia preparing to defend its position among the tournament's strongest teams.
The Main Contenders
Australia: The Kangaroos remain one of the leading men's contenders, having won the last three World Cups and 10 of the previous 11 editions. Their semi-final against Samoa on Sunday will determine whether they can keep their title defence alive.
New Zealand: The Kiwis have emerged as serious title contenders after beating Tonga 34-10. Their return to the men's final is particularly significant because their previous appearance came in 2013. They last won the World Cup in 2008.
Samoa: The Samoan men's team has already demonstrated its ability to challenge established powers. It reached the 2022 final and will now have another opportunity to reach the championship match when it faces Australia.
Tonga: Although eliminated by New Zealand, Tonga remain one of the tournament's most impressive teams. They won all three of their group matches and defeated Samoa 20-18 in a gripping contest before Saturday's semi-final.
New Zealand Kiwi Ferns: The women's team secured its seventh consecutive World Cup final appearance by defeating Fetu Samoa. Stacey Waaka's three tries took her tournament tally to nine, level with Australia's Jaime Chapman.
The Key Storylines to Watch
Kalyn Ponga's remarkable return was the defining moment of the men's semi-final. The New Zealand fullback started just 23 days after breaking his arm in the tournament opener against Australia. Initially expected to have a limited role, he instead delivered three try assists and a crucial try-saving tackle.
His defensive intervention against Tonga forward Demitric Vaimauga was particularly important. With the score still close, Ponga stopped a powerful attacking run that could have changed the direction of the match. His contribution demonstrated why New Zealand were prepared to take the risk of bringing him straight back into the starting side.
Tonga's defeat also highlights the growing competitiveness of Pacific rugby league. The team pushed New Zealand hard during the first half, with Jojo Fifita scoring twice, but struggled after the break as worsening weather and a strong headwind affected its kicking game.
Meanwhile, the women's competition has produced another impressive achievement for New Zealand. The Kiwi Ferns have now reached the final in all seven editions of the tournament. Stacey Waaka's hat-trick against Fetu Samoa strengthened her position among the leading scorers, while the team maintained a clean sheet.
Australia's two upcoming semi-finals add another layer to the weekend. The Jillaroos and Kangaroos must both negotiate difficult opponents if the country is to feature in both championship matches.
Schedule and Format
The tournament reaches its final weekend with four semi-finalists still competing across the men's and women's events. Sunday's matches will decide the remaining places in the championship games.
- Sunday, 8 November – Women's semi-final: Australia Jillaroos vs Fiji Bulikula, at Sydney Football Stadium, kicking off at 5:45pm AEDT.
- Sunday, 8 November – Men's semi-final: Australia Kangaroos vs Toa Samoa, at Sydney Football Stadium, kicking off at 8:05pm AEDT.
- Sunday, 15 November – Men's final: New Zealand will face the winner of Australia versus Samoa at Lang Park in Brisbane.
- Next weekend – Women's final: New Zealand will meet either Australia or Fiji.
Newcastle hosted Saturday's semi-finals, while Sydney now takes centre stage for Australia's matches. Brisbane will host the men's championship decider, completing the tournament's final stage in Australia.
What to Expect
New Zealand enter the men's final with considerable momentum. Their victory over Tonga was built on Ponga's influence, effective kicking and an ability to adapt to difficult weather conditions. Jahrome Hughes, Casey McLean and Dane Gagai also contributed important attacking moments.
However, the identity of their final opponent will matter. Australia have an outstanding World Cup record, while Samoa have already shown they can compete with the strongest teams. Either opponent would present a different challenge for Stacey Jones's side.
In the women's competition, New Zealand have the advantage of a completed semi-final and a convincing result. Their opponents will come from the Australia-Fiji contest. A potential meeting with Australia would also give the Kiwi Ferns an opportunity to avenge their 54-4 defeat in the 2021 final.
For Australian supporters, Sunday is the biggest remaining test before the championship weekend. Both national teams have a clear route to the final, but neither can afford to underestimate its opponent. The results will determine whether Australia can remain represented in both competitions or whether New Zealand will have the opportunity to contest both titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who reached the 2026 Rugby League World Cup men's final?
New Zealand qualified after defeating Tonga 34-10 in Newcastle on 7 November. The Kiwis will face either Australia or Samoa in the final on 15 November.
When do Australia play Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup?
Australia face Toa Samoa in the men's semi-final on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:05pm AEDT at Sydney Football Stadium.
Who will New Zealand play in the women's Rugby League World Cup final?
The Kiwi Ferns will face either Australia or Fiji. New Zealand secured their place with a 32-0 victory over Fetu Samoa on 7 November.
How did Kalyn Ponga perform against Tonga?
Ponga returned just 23 days after breaking his arm and helped New Zealand win 34-10. He provided three try assists and made a crucial try-saving tackle.
When is the 2026 Rugby League World Cup final?
The men's final is scheduled for Sunday, 15 November 2026, at Lang Park in Brisbane. New Zealand are already qualified, with their opponent to be decided by the Australia-Samoa semi-final.
Where is the 2026 Rugby League World Cup being held?
The tournament is being staged across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. The competition runs from 15 October to 15 November 2026.
