The wait is almost over! The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is heading towards a blockbuster finish, with Australia and New Zealand set to go head-to-head in both the men’s and women’s finals this Sunday.

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the double-header on Sunday, 15 November 2026, bringing together four of international rugby league’s biggest teams for a massive day of footy. The Kangaroos will be chasing another men’s world title, while the Jillaroos are aiming to extend their incredible run of women’s World Cup success.

And for rugby league fans in Ipswich, there’s no better way to get into the finals spirit than gathering your mates, grabbing an ice-cold drink and getting ready for the biggest games of the tournament.

🏆 Rugby League World Cup Finals 2026: Match Details

Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Location: 40 Castlemaine Street, Milton, Brisbane QLD 4064

Women’s World Cup Final: Australia vs New Zealand — 3:10 pm AEST

Men’s World Cup Final: Australia vs New Zealand — 6:35 pm AEST

Broadcast in Australia: Seven and 7plus Sport

The men’s and women’s finals will be played as a double-header, giving supporters the chance to watch two world championship deciders on the same day.

Australia vs New Zealand: The Ultimate Rugby League Rivalry

Whenever Australia and New Zealand meet on the international rugby league stage, there’s plenty on the line. These two nations have a long history of fierce competition, unforgettable matches and world-class players.

This year’s finals will add another chapter to that rivalry, with the same two countries contesting both the men’s and women’s titles.

The Kangaroos Are Chasing Another World Cup Crown

Australia booked its place in the men’s final with a commanding 44–12 semi-final victory over Samoa.

The Kangaroos have built momentum throughout the tournament, combining powerful forward play with speed, attacking creativity and strong defensive organisation. Their semi-final performance showed just how dangerous they can be when everything clicks.

Reece Walsh has brought plenty of excitement to Australia’s attack, while experienced campaigners such as Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Isaah Yeo provide quality and leadership across the park.

But standing in their way is a New Zealand side determined to make history of its own.

The Kiwis Want to Bring the Trophy Home

New Zealand earned its place in the final with a 34–10 win over Tonga.

The Kiwis showed their class in the semi-final, overcoming a competitive Tongan side to secure a shot at the ultimate prize. With experienced leaders and exciting young talent throughout the squad, they have the ability to challenge Australia across the park.

The stakes are especially high given New Zealand’s famous 34–20 victory over Australia in the 2008 World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium.

That result remains one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry. Now, the Kiwis return to Brisbane hoping to create another piece of rugby league history.

Australia, meanwhile, will be determined to defend its crown and continue its remarkable record at the World Cup.

Jillaroos vs Kiwi Ferns: Another Massive Women’s Final

Before the men’s teams take centre stage, the Australian Jillaroos and New Zealand Kiwi Ferns will battle for the women’s World Cup.

The Jillaroos advanced after defeating Fiji 30–14 in the semi-finals, while New Zealand booked its place with a convincing 32–0 win over Samoa.

Both sides have shown why they are among the leading teams in women’s international rugby league, and their meeting promises to be a fantastic contest.

Can Australia Make It Four World Cups in a Row?

The Jillaroos have dominated the women’s World Cup in recent years, winning the last three tournaments in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

Now, they have the opportunity to make it four consecutive titles.

Australia’s strength lies in its ability to combine attacking flair with disciplined defence. The team has plenty of experience in big matches and will be determined to finish the tournament with another trophy.

However, the Kiwi Ferns will be eager to spoil the party.

Can New Zealand End Australia’s Winning Run?

New Zealand has a proud history in women’s rugby league and will enter the final believing it can challenge the reigning champions.

The Kiwi Ferns have reached their seventh consecutive World Cup final, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the highest level.

Their dominant semi-final performance against Samoa will give them confidence heading into the decider. If they can maintain that defensive intensity while creating opportunities in attack, they will give Australia a serious challenge.

With a World Cup trophy at stake, expect both teams to bring plenty of passion and determination to Suncorp Stadium.

Three Storylines to Watch in the World Cup Finals

A Repeat of the 2008 Men’s Final

The Australia–New Zealand rivalry has delivered some of international rugby league’s most memorable moments, but the 2008 final holds a special place in the history books.

New Zealand’s famous upset victory at Suncorp Stadium broke Australia’s long-standing dominance and remains a reminder that the Kiwis can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

With the two sides meeting again in Brisbane, the question is whether Australia can maintain its dominance or New Zealand can produce another historic performance.

The Battle for International Rugby League Supremacy

Australia enters the men’s final as the defending champion, while New Zealand will be eager to prove it can once again sit at the top of the international game.

Both teams have quality across the field, from their forward packs to their playmakers and outside backs. Small moments could make a major difference, whether it’s a clever kick, a crucial defensive stop or an individual attacking effort.

For fans, this is exactly what a World Cup final should be: the best players, the biggest occasion and everything on the line.

Will the Jillaroos Continue Their Remarkable Run?

The women’s final offers another compelling storyline.

Australia is chasing a fourth consecutive title, while New Zealand is hoping to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2008.

The Kiwi Ferns have been knocking on the door for years, and their strong tournament campaign suggests they will be determined to make the most of this opportunity.

With both nations bringing plenty of talent and experience, the women’s decider could be one of the highlights of the entire tournament.

Don’t Forget the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final

The excitement extends beyond the men’s and women’s competitions.

The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will also conclude this week, with England and France set to meet in the final on Friday, 13 November, at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

England will be looking to defend the title it won in 2022, while France will be aiming to finish its campaign with the trophy.

Wheelchair rugby league showcases incredible athleticism, skill and teamwork, and its place in the World Cup highlights the breadth of international rugby league.

It’s another great reason to celebrate the sport and the athletes competing on the world stage.

🍻 Catch the Rugby League Finals LIVE & LOUD at POWH

Big games deserve a big atmosphere, and finals footy is even better when you’re watching with your mates.

At the Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich, you can settle in for a great day out, enjoy an ice-cold drink and soak up the local pub atmosphere as the World Cup reaches its climax.

Whether you’re backing the Kangaroos, cheering for the Kiwis or keen to see the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns battle for the women’s crown, there’s plenty of world-class rugby league to get excited about.

Australia vs New Zealand. Two World Cup trophies. One massive Sunday of footy.

Get behind the action and celebrate the Rugby League World Cup finals at the Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich.