Rugby League World Cup 2030 heads to USA and Pacific with expanded field

Rugby League World Cup 2030 will be staged across the Pacific and United States, with the men’s tournament expanding to 12 teams and the women’s competition to 10.

International Rugby League announced the plans ahead of the closing stages of the current World Cup. The Australian Rugby League Commission will organise the next edition with the IRL.

How will Rugby League World Cup 2030 work?

The proposed “Magic Round” format would bring several matches to one city before the tournament moves to another location. Five host locations are envisaged, but the cities have not been selected.

The detailed competition structure also remains undecided. France is described in the announcement as the favourite to stage the wheelchair event alongside the men’s and women’s tournaments.

2026 World Cup reaches its final week

The immediate focus remains this year’s trophies. Australia and New Zealand will contest both the men’s and women’s finals on Sunday, as listed in the NRL’s tournament schedule.

Our Australia vs New Zealand final guide has the UK start times and viewing information.

England’s wheelchair side face Australia on Tuesday morning for a place in their final, while France meet Ireland in the other semi-final. Follow the remaining fixtures through our rugby coverage.