The Minns Labor Government has secured a blockbuster lineup of Rugby League World Cup 2026 matches for Newcastle, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for international sporting events.
The pride and passion of the Pacific will be on full display at McDonald Jones Stadium for Round One of the tournament on 18 October 2026. A dynamic Sunday afternoon double-header will see the New Zealand women taking on their Fiji Bulikula rivals before a barnstorming Pasifika showdown in a crucial men’s group match between the Fiji Bati and their Cook Islands neighbours.
In a major boost for the Hunter region, thousands of rugby league fans from across the globe will descend on Newcastle for the first men’s and women’s Semi Finals on Saturday 7 November 2026, further demonstrating the city’s ability to host unforgettable sporting moments.
With a further 12 matches to be played across Sydney and Wollongong, Rugby League World Cup 2026 is estimated to attract more than 32,000 fans to NSW and inject over $19 million into the NSW visitor economy, delivering significant economic benefits for hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses across the three host cities and surrounding regions.
Hosting the Rugby League World Cup 2026 aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to grow the visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035. A key pillar of the Strategy is building a dynamic, nation-leading calendar of major events that drives year-round visitation to support jobs and businesses that rely on tourism.
Today’s announcement adds to NSW’s unrivalled line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year’s Ashes Test, Sydney Sail GP, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Sydney 500, Bathurst 1000, State of Origin, NRL & NRLW Grand Finals and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.
For information on Rugby League World Cup 2026 fixtures and tickets visit www.rlwc2026.com. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“Newcastle is Rugby League heartland and that passion will be on full display during the 2026 World Cup.
“Watching a footy game at McDonald Jones Stadium should be on every League fan’s bucket list and the 2026 World Cup is the perfect opportunity to experience a double-header game day in Newcastle.
“Our city is a world class sporting destination and it is terrific that thousands of people will travel here not only for the match, but to experience everything we have to offer.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Newcastle is the home of thousands of devoted rugby league fans. This is a huge win for my community.
“In 2025, we saw major sporting events come to our city, from NRLW Magic Round to Wallabies and Wallaroos home tests. It is great to see more major events lined up for 2026.
“I can’t wait to show the world how great Newcastle is.”
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