The Rugby League World Cup begins with a blockbuster between powerhouse nations Australia and New Zealand.
For the first time the Kiwis will have State of Origin stars representing them on the international stage.
Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.
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Key Event
The full 2026 men's Rugby League World Cup draw
Thursday, October 15
- Australia v New Zealand
Friday, October 16
- Samoa v France
Saturday, October 17
- England v Tonga XIII
- Papua New Guinea v Lebanon
Sunday, October 18
- Fiji v Cook Islands
Friday, October 23
- Tonga XIII v Lebanon
Saturday, October 24
- England v France
- Papua New Guinea v Samoa
Sunday, October 25
- Australia v Fiji
- New Zealand v Cook Islands
Friday, October 30
- England v Papua New Guinea
Saturday, October 31
- Australia v Cook Islands
- New Zealand v Fiji
Sunday, November 1
- Tonga XIII v Samoa
- Lebanon v France
Saturday, November 7
- Semifinal 1
Sunday, November 8
- Semifinal 2
Sunday, November 15
- Final
Key Event
What time is kick-off between the Kangaroos and Kiwis
By Michael Doyle
By Michael Doyle
Here is when tonight's Rugby League World Cup match will begin in each Australian state and territory, and each country in the tournament
- 8:05pm AEDT: NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania
- 7:35pm ACDT: South Australia
- 7:05pm AEST: Queensland, PNG
- 6:35pm ACST: Northern Territory
- 5:35pm AWST: Western Australia
- 9:05pm FJT: Fiji
- 10:05pm NZDT: New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa
- 11:05pm CKT: Cook Islands
- 10:05am BST: United Kingdom
- 11:05am CEST: France
- 12:05pm EEST: Lebanon
Welcome to the Rugby League World Cup live blog
By Michael Doyle
By Michael Doyle
Hello Australia.
Welcome to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup live blog.
The men's tournament begins tonight with a clash between two heavyweights, Australia vs New Zealand.
Australia will be favoured, but the Kiwis can now pick players who are also part of State of Origin, so you will see Maroons and Blues united in black.
Join the conversation and be part of the live blog in the comment section.