The Seven Network today announced it has secured the exclusive Australian rights to the
Rugby League World Cup 2026 (RLWC2026), which will be live and free on Seven and
7plus Sport from 15 October 2026.
Kicking off with a blockbuster clash between Australia and New Zealand at Sydney’s
Allianz Stadium, Seven’s month-long coverage will showcase the very best of
international rugby league with 18 men’s, 15 women’s and 20 wheelchair matches.
Hosted by Australia, RLWC2026 will feature 26 teams from around the world, including
England, Tonga and Samoa, with four matches to also be played in Papua New Guinea
and two matches in New Zealand.
Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said:
“Seven is proud to be the unrivalled home of Australian sport. The Rugby League World
Cup is a significant world-class event and hosting it on home soil makes it even more
special. It’s exactly the kind of premium sporting content Seven is known for and
committed to delivering – live, free and exclusively to all Australians.
“Thank you to the Australian Rugby League Commission, Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo
for championing this deal, and we’re looking forward to delivering this outstanding event,
in a way that only Seven can do, to Australian audiences in 2026.”
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “Growing the
international game has been a key focus of the Commission and nothing compares to the
passion, excitement and sheer intensity of a Rugby League World Cup. Big hits, brilliant
athleticism and epic finishes — this World Cup will have it all, and more.
“With all men’s, women’s and wheelchair Rugby League World Cup matches available
live and free right across Australia, this partnership will give every Australian
unprecedented access to the biggest games on the Rugby League calendar,” Mr V’landys
said.
Chief Executive Officer National Rugby League, Andrew Abdo, said: “International rugby
league is the ultimate stage and representing your country is the ultimate honour.
“In less than a year, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will deliver the most competitive
international tournament in the game’s history. We are excited to be partnering with the
Seven Network to bring every match live and free across Australia.”
Seven will also extend its successful The Agenda Setters brand to Rugby League, with a
new panel show beginning from round one of the NRL season and continuing through to
the end of RLWC2026.
