The 2026 Rugby League World Cup Final is set, with Australia and New Zealand advancing after impressive semi-final victories over Samoa and Tonga respectively. The Kiwis overcame an early challenge from Tonga to secure their first World Cup Final appearance since 2013, while Australia produced its most complete performance of the tournament to end Samoa’s campaign and continue its pursuit of a fourth consecutive Paul Barrière Trophy.
The biggest winners of the weekend were Australia’s star-studded spine and a resurgent New Zealand side boosted by Kalyn Ponga’s return. For Tonga and Samoa, the tournament ended in disappointment, but both nations further cemented their status among the international game’s elite. The result leaves rugby league with a dream decider, as Australia and New Zealand prepare to meet in a World Cup Final for the first time since the Kiwis’ famous triumph in 2008.
Review
New Zealand vs Tonga
New Zealand made their first World Cup Final since 2013 after beating Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium.
While they lost the 2017 quarter-final (4-2 against Fiji) and the 2022 semi-final (16–14 against Australia), the Kiwis made sure they’d go one step further in 2026. It’s their third World Cup Final since the tournament format resumed in 1995.
Just three weeks after breaking his arm against Australia, Kalyn Ponga started at fullback and had three try assists. Jojo Fifita scored a double as Tonga led 10-6 after 32 minutes, but Dane Gagai gave New Zealand a 12-10 half-time lead: chasing a Jahrome Hughes kick, Ponga tackled Lehi Hopoate in-goal after he juggled the football, but it was ruled as a fair contest and the try stood. One of New Zealand’s four second half tries (as they took advantage of the heavy wind and rain) came from some Hughes brilliance: dummying, stepping, and running 10 metres.
Ponga’s Newcastle teammate Phoenix Crossland played his first game since the NRL preliminary final, with 24 minutes off the bench. Both Ponga and Crossland will be better for their runs as they head into the World Cup Final. A third straight win (including dominant wins over the Cook Islands and Fiji) gives New Zealand a legitimate chance for a second Paul Barrière Trophy. Their first was in 2008, beating Australia 34-20 at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite the loss, Tonga had an excellent World Cup, going through Pool B + C undefeated after tough wins over England and Samoa and a comfortable win over Lebanon. Though they missed Robert Toia, who was ruled out with a knee/leg injury, with Paul Alamoti replacing him at centre. After a physical first half, did the emotional toll of the Samoa win hurt Tonga when New Zealand started getting on top in the second half?
The Verdict: New Zealand will play the winner of the Australia vs Samoa semi-final in the World Cup Final at Suncorp Stadium.
Australia vs Samoa
Australia made their sixth straight World Cup Final since 1995 after beating Samoa at Allianz Stadium.
Reece Walsh scored the Kangaroos’ fifth hat-trick in this World Cup (with two each to Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic) as Australia scored eight tries to two.
With Australia ahead 16-2, a Stephen Crichton no try in the 30th minute (with Francis Manuleleua either offside or knocking a Jarome Luai bomb into Walsh) was quickly answered by Walsh’s first try to all but put the game out of reach.
Though there’s been criticism of Australia’s sluggish tournament so far, this semi-final was easily Australia’s best performance under Kevin Walters, with the spine of Walsh, Cameron Munster (who also kicked six goals from eight attempts), Tom Dearden, and Harry Grant dominating Samoa and allowing the Kangaroos to slice through their left and right edge defence. Samoa showed they could dominate teams in the Pool stage (with big wins over France and PNG), but they had a 78 per cent completion rate, 55 missed tackles, and nine errors in this game. And Spencer Leniu’s sin binning for verbally confronting referee Adam Gee compounded Samoa’s poor discipline.
While Samoa and Tonga have made plenty of progress investing in Australian-based heritage players who are used to the weekly NRL grind, Australia and New Zealand showed why they were tournament favourites with comfortable wins in both semi-finals.
The Verdict: The 2026 World Cup Final will be a rematch of the 2008 Final, with Australia playing New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium. Australia will be aiming for their fourth straight Paul Barrière Trophy since 2013.
Semi-Finals Results
Men’s
New Zealand 34–10 Tonga
| Full Time Score | New Zealand 34–10 Tonga |
|---|---|
| Scorers | New Zealand 34 (Tries: Briton Nikora 3′, Dane Gagai 36′, Casey McLean 47′, Jahrome Hughes 52′, Xavier Willison 69′, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 79′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 4′, 37′, 49′, 54′, 79′) Tonga 10 (Tries: Jojo Fifita 20′, 32′. Goals: Isaiya Katoa 22′) |
| Half-Time | 12–10 |
| Date | Saturday, 7th November 2026 |
| Venue | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| Players | New Zealand: Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali’i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine, Kalyn Ponga, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Phoenix Crossland Tonga: Lehi Hopoate, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tolutau Koula, Jojo Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Salesi Foketi, Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau’atu, Siua Wong, Tyson Frizell, Paul Alamoti, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Taniela Paseka, Leka Halasima |
Australia 44–12 Samoa
| Full Time Score | Australia 44–12 Samoa |
|---|---|
| Scorers | Australia 44 (Tries: Tom Dearden 7′, Jacob Preston 13′, Tom Trbojevic 24′, Reece Walsh 31′, Bradman Best 36′, Reece Walsh 46′, Reece Walsh 65′, Jack Bostock 71′. Goals: Cameron Munster 8′, 15′, 38′, 48′, 67′, 73′) Samoa 12 (Tries: Stephen Crichton 43′, Izack Tago 60′. Goals: Stephen Crichton 4′ PG, 44′) |
| Half-Time | 26–2 |
| Date | Sunday, 8th November 2026 |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium |
| Players | Australia: Not provided in supplied data. Samoa: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brian To’o, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Sualauvi Fa’alogo, Ronald Volkman, Jarome Luai, Francis Molo, Junior Paulo, Connelly Lemuelu, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Jazz Tevaga, Benaiah Ioelu, Spencer Leniu, Ata Mariota, Clayton Faulalo |
Women’s
New Zealand 32 – 0 Samoa
| Full-Time | New Zealand 32 – 0 Samoa |
| Scorers | New Zealand 32 (Tries: Mackenzie Wiki 1′; Stacey Waaka 24′, 43′, 63′; Mele Hufanga 57′; Kaiyah Atai 59′; Raecene McGregor 66′. Goals: Chantay Kiria-Ratu 45′, 67′) Samoa 0 |
| Half-Time | New Zealand 8 – 0 Samoa |
| Date | Saturday, 7th November 2026 |
| Venue | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| Players | New Zealand: Apii Nicholls, Leianne Tufuga, Mele Hufanga, Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Raecene McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale, Otesa Pule, Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Ashleigh Quinlan, Annessa Biddle, Shannon Mato, Ivana Lauitiiti Samoa: Destiny Mino-Sinapati, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, Monica Tagoai, Tyra Ekepati, Evania Isa’ako, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Annetta Nuuausala, Mary-Jane Taito, Laikha Clarke, Leilani Wilson, Ivana Lolesio, Fanua Rimoni, Anastasia Leatupue, Tavarna Papalii, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Jasmine Fogavini, Christian Pio |
Australia 30 – 14 Fiji
| Full-Time | Australia 30 – 14 Fiji |
|---|---|
| Scorers | Australia 30 (Tries: Abbi Church 24′, 39′, 50′, 66′; Tamika Upton 28′; Jaime Chapman 43′. Goals: Jocelyn Kelleher 41′, 45′, 66′) Fiji 14 (Tries: Luisa Yaranamua 15′; Maria Paseka 61′. Goals: Luisa Yaranamua 16′, 63′. Penalty Goal: Luisa Yaranamua 11′) |
| Half-Time | Australia 8 – 8 Fiji |
| Date | Sunday, 8th November 2026 |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium |
| Broadcast | Channel 7, 7plus |
| Players | Australia: Tamika Upton, Jaime Chapman, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Abbi Church, Jocelyn Kelleher, Tarryn Aiken, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Simaima Taufa, Tiana Penitani Gray, Shaylee Bent, Olivia Kernick, Keeley Nizza, Keilee Joseph, Kezie Apps, Sariah Paki Fiji: Cassie Staples, Maria Paseka, Isabella Waterman, Sienna Laing, Taina Naividi, Luisa Yaranamua, Losana Lutu, Latisha Smythe, Sereana Naitokatoka, Lorren Ieli, Elizabeth Naleba, Talei Holmes, Leilani Ahsam, Tahlia Marshall, Teaghan Hartigan, Ema Masi, Aliti Namoce |
Wheelchair – Round 2
France 120 – 10 New Zealand
| Full-Time | France 120 – 10 New Zealand |
| Scorers | France 120 (Tries: Jorge Gelade Panzo 1′, 67′, 73′, 79′; Jeremy Bourson 3′, 6′, 23′, 39′, 70′, 76′; Dany Denuwelaere 9′, 19′, 31′, 33′, 59′; Florian Guttadoro 17′; Nicolas Clausells 27′, 35′, 38′, 57′; Damien Dore 49′; Adrien Zittel 55′. Goals: Florian Guttadoro 1′, 4′, 9′, 18′, 20′, 67′, 71′, 74′; Nicolas Clausells 24′, 28′, 32′, 36′, 38′, 39′, 56′, 58′) New Zealand 10 (Tries: Kauri Murray 45′; Nikia Fa’atau 62′. Goals: Ryan Charles 63′) |
| Half-Time | France 74 – 0 New Zealand |
| Date | Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | France: Damien Dore, Florian Guttadoro, Jeremy Bourson, Dany Denuwelaere, Jorge Gelade Panzo, Gilles Clausells, Adrien Zittel, Nicolas Clausells, Guillaume Dubruel New Zealand: Ryan Charles, Nikia Fa’atau, Jayson Hooker, Kauri Murray, Pele Sulusi, Joshua Hirini-Barclay, Dan Scott, Mitch Stone, Jamie Tapp |
Australia 104 – 24 Scotland
| Full-Time | Australia 104 – 24 Scotland |
| Scorers | Australia 104 (Tries: Zac Schumacher 6′, 13′, 66′, 72′; Adam Tannock 9′, 15′, 31′, 45′, 51′, 61′; Daniel Anstey 11′, 43′; Diab Karim 21′, 64′, 68′; Bayley McKenna 33′, 40′, 57′; Cory Cannane 79′. Goals: Bayley McKenna 7′, 9′, 14′, 16′, 32′, 34′, 41′, 46′, 52′, 58′; Diab Karim 62′, 65′, 73′; Cory Cannane 79′) Scotland 24 (Tries: James Simpson-Hill 19′; Calum Davidson 27′; Hamish Douglas 70′; Max Owen 77′. Goals: Calum Davidson 20′, 29′, 78′; Hamish Douglas 71′) |
| Half-Time | Australia 44 – 12 Scotland |
| Date | Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | Australia: Daniel Anstey, Cory Cannane, Bayley McKenna, Zac Schumacher, Adam Tannock, Peter Arbuckle, Liam Luff, Diab Karim, Toby Popple Scotland: Calum Davidson, James Simpson-Hill, David Hill, Olivia Fulton, Max Owen, Sarah Devlin, Hamish Douglas, Alex Howe, John Clarke |
Ireland 68 – 28 Wales
| Full-Time | Ireland 68 – 28 Wales |
| Scorers | Ireland 68 (Tries: Cian Horgan 3′, 61′, 64′, 71′; Joseph Calcott 10′, 28′, 48′, 51′, 66′, 76′; Tom Martin 22′; Jack Mangan 73′. Goals: Phil Roberts 11′, 23′, 49′, 52′, 62′, 64′, 67′, 72′, 74′, 77′) Wales 28 (Tries: Sid Ramsey 6′; Mark Williams 33′; Andrew Higgins 41′; Stuart Williams 45′; Matthew Turner 54′. Goals: Matthew Turner 7′, 35′, 42′, 46′) |
| Half-Time | Ireland 20 – 12 Wales |
| Date | Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | Ireland: Cian Horgan, Melanie Griffith, Tom Martin, Phil Roberts, Joseph Calcott, Oran Spain, Toby Burton-Carter, Maurice Noonan, Jack Mangan Wales: Sid Ramsey, Lee Sargent, Jodie Boyd-Ward, Stuart Williams, Matthew Turner, Andrew Higgins, Jonathan Gill, Gareth Ramsey, Mark Williams |
England 134 – 0 USA
| Full-Time | England 134 – 0 USA |
| Scorers | England 134 (Tries: Tristan Norfolk 0′, 9′, 18′; Luis Domingos 3′, 22′, 67′, 76′; Chris Haynes 13′, 16′, 57′, 74′; Mason Billington 30′, 39′, 48′, 53′; Finlay O’Neill 32′, 41′; Jack Brown 51′, 71′, 78′; Lewis King 60′; Joe Coyd 63′, 69′. Goals: Finlay O’Neill 0′, 4′, 9′, 14′, 17′, 19′, 23′, 31′, 39′, 42′, 49′, 52′, 54′, 58′, 61′; Joe Coyd 63′, 68′, 70′, 72′, 77′, 79′) USA 0 |
| Half-Time | England 58 – 0 USA |
| Date | Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | England: Finlay O’Neill, Luis Domingos, Tristan Norfolk, Chris Haynes, Mason Billington, Joe Coyd, Lewis King, Jack Brown, Nathan Collins USA: Jabrier Lee, Jesse Lind, Brent Hawkins, Andy Kingsley, Antoine Gray, Freddie Smith, Eric Wooten, Will Fox, William Johnstone |
Wheelchair – Round 3
Scotland 62 – 18 New Zealand
| Full-Time | Scotland 62 – 18 New Zealand |
| Scorers | Scotland 62 (Tries: Hamish Douglas 0′; Calum Davidson 7′, 39′, 45′, 60′; David Hill 24′; James Simpson-Hill 27′, 79′; Max Owen 34′, 55′, 72′. Goals: Calum Davidson 1′, 8′, 35′, 39′, 47′, 56′, 61′; Hamish Douglas 73′, 80′) New Zealand 18 (Tries: Joshua Hirini-Barclay 4′; Nikia Fa’atau 10′; Jack Brown 66′. Goals: Joshua Hirini-Barclay 5′, 11′, 67′) |
| Half-Time | Scotland 32 – 12 New Zealand |
| Date | Friday, 6th November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | Scotland: Calum Davidson, James Simpson-Hill, David Hill, Olivia Fulton, Hamish Douglas, Arran King, Max Owen, Sarah Devlin, Calum Japes New Zealand: Nikia Fa’atau, Joshua Hirini-Barclay, Jayson Hooker, Kauri Murray, Pele Sulusi, Jack Brown, Ryan Charles, Mitch Stone, Jamie Tapp |
Wales 92 – 18 USA
| Full-Time | Wales 92 – 18 USA |
| Scorers | Wales 92 (Tries: John Berriman 2′, 15′, 18′, 55′; Andrew Higgins 5′, 31′; Fionn McCabe 9′, 29′, 71′; Stuart Williams 22′, 47′; Jonathan Gill 26′, 62′, 77′; Gareth Ramsey 38′, 42′; Matthew Turner 79′. Goals: Andrew Higgins 6′, 19′, 23′, 27′, 30′, 32′, 39′, 48′, 56′, 63′; Matthew Turner 72′, 79′) USA 18 (Tries: Mackenzie Johnson 40′, 53′; Antoine Gray 50′. Goals: William Johnstone 41′, 51′, 54′) |
| Half-Time | Wales 54 – 0 USA |
| Date | Friday, 6th November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | Wales: Fionn McCabe, Andrew Higgins, Jonathan Gill, Stuart Williams, John Berriman, Lee Sargent, Gareth Ramsey, Matthew Turner, Martin Turner USA: Mackenzie Johnson, Jabrier Lee, Brent Hawkins, Andy Kingsley, Antoine Gray, Freddie Smith, Jesse Lind, Will Fox, William Johnstone |
England 68 – 32 Ireland
| Full-Time | England 68 – 32 Ireland |
| Scorers | England 68 (Tries: Lewis King 19′, 30′; Joe Coyd 28′, 45′, 52′, 62′; Robert Hawkins 34′, 43′, 48′; Mason Billington 60′, 68′; Jack Brown 74′. Goals: Nathan Collins 29′, 31′, 35′, 44′, 47′, 49′, 53′, 61′, 63′; Finlay O’Neill 75′) Ireland 32 (Tries: Peter Johnston Jnr 4′; Toby Burton-Carter 16′; Oran Spain 22′; Joseph Calcott 72′; Jack Mangan 78′. Goals: Peter Johnston Jnr 5′, 17′, 73′, 79′; Oran Spain 23′. Penalty Goal: Peter Johnston Jnr 8′) |
| Half-Time | England 22 – 20 Ireland |
| Date | Friday, 6th November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | England: Finlay O’Neill, Robert Hawkins, Tristan Norfolk, Jack Brown, Lewis King, Nathan Collins, Mason Billington, Joe Coyd, Chris Haynes Ireland: Oran Spain, Melanie Griffith, Peter Johnston Jnr, Joseph Calcott, Jack Mangan, Toby Burton-Carter, Tom Martin, James McCarthy, Maurice Noonan |
France 69 – 34 Australia
| Full-Time | France 69 – 34 Australia |
| Scorers | France 69 (Tries: Damien Dore 2′; Dany Denuwelaere 11′, 13′, 34′; Jorge Gelade Panzo 29′; Nicolas Clausells 40′, 40′; Jeremy Bourson 40′; Gilles Clausells 40′, 40′; Florian Guttadoro 40′; Jonathan Hivernat 40′. Goals: Florian Guttadoro 12′, 14′; Nicolas Clausells 30′, 35′, 40′, 40′, 40′, 40′; Jonathan Hivernat 40′. Penalty Goal: Florian Guttadoro 4′. Field Goal: Gilles Clausells 40′) Australia 34 (Tries: Daniel Anstey 15′; Adam Tannock 19′, 40′; Bayley McKenna 23′; Diab Karim 38′; Zac Schumacher 40′. Goals: Bayley McKenna 16′, 21′, 24′, 40′; Diab Karim 40′) |
| Half-Time | France 69 – 34 Australia |
| Date | Friday, 6th November 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Entertainment Centre |
| Players | France: Damien Dore, Florian Guttadoro, Jeremy Bourson, Dany Denuwelaere, Jorge Gelade Panzo, Gilles Clausells, Jonathan Hivernat, Nicolas Clausells, Adrien Zittel Australia: Daniel Anstey, Cory Cannane, Bayley McKenna, Zac Schumacher, Adam Tannock, Peter Arbuckle, Liam Luff, Diab Karim, Toby Popple |
Final Standings
Pool A: England 6 (+250), Ireland 4 (+104), Wales 2 (-46), USA 0 (-308)
Pool B: France 6 (+259), Australia 4 (+133), Scotland 2 (-150), New Zealand 0 (-242)
