Australia and New Zealand meet in the final of the 2026 men's Rugby League World Cup at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with kick-off at 6.35pm local time (7.35pm AEDT/8.35am GMT). The match is the 18th of a tournament that has featured 10 nations across three countries.
The Kangaroos, defending champions playing on home soil, have progressed through the competition after a slow start. They were fortunate to win their opening match and failed in key areas in their next two games before showing World Cup-winning form in the semi-finals.
Key Players and Form
Reece Walsh has been the standout performer for Australia, holding off James Tedesco for the No 1 jersey and impressing with his trademark runs. Cameron Munster returned to his best against Samoa after a quiet few weeks, while the bench has provided plenty of spark. The forward pack hit form in the semi-finals after a run of matches that saw Origin enforcers beaten by their opposite numbers.
New Zealand have an impressive forward six on the field to begin with, supported by the NRL's form prop and loose forward on the bench. Behind them, Kalyn Ponga, the recently crowned IRL Golden Boot winner, is currently the most devastating player in the sport. Jahrome Hughes caught fire against Tonga, and Ronaldo Mulitalo returns after sitting out the semi-final through suspension.
Individual Battles to Watch
Walsh v Ponga, Munster v Hughes, and Isaah Yeo v Joseph Tapine are among the mouthwatering individual contests on offer. The winner of the match will have earned the title of world champions.
