The Seven Network has secured exclusive Australian broadcast rights to the Rugby League World Cup 2026 for Seven and 7plus Sport in October next year.
The tournament kicks off with a clash between Australia and New Zealand at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.
Seven's month-long coverage will showcase 18 men's, 15 women's and 20 wheelchair matches.
Hosted by Australia, the tournament will feature 26 teams from around the world, including England, Tonga and Samoa. Four matches will also be played in Papua New Guinea and two in New Zealand.
"Seven is proud to be the unrivalled home of Australian sport," said Seven West Media CEO Jeff Howard.
"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."
Peter V'landys, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman, said growing the international game has been a key focus of the commission.
"Big hits, brilliant athleticism and epic finishes — this World Cup will have it all, and more," he said.
"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.”
Andrew Abdo, chief executive officer of National Rugby League, said international rugby league is the ultimate stage.
"In less than a year, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will deliver the most competitive international tournament in the game's history,” he said.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Seven Network to bring every match live and free across Australia."
Renee Quirk, Seven's commercial director for sport, said world-class events on home soil have historically delivered exceptional ratings results.
"With the historic success of the Kangaroos and Jillaroos at World Cups past, paired with the passion of the fans on Australian shores and in neighbouring countries, we cannot wait to deliver every heart-racing moment to living rooms across the country – live, free and exclusively on Seven and 7plus Sport,” she said.
Seven's coverage of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 runs from Thursday, October 15 until Sunday, November 15, 2026.
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