Holders Australia drawn with New Zealand in Rugby League World Cup / Photo: Oli SCARFF - AFP
-
Anthropic signs $35B computing deal with startup backed by Nvidia
-
In Japan's mountains, a different way to manage bears
-
Drones in Ithaca: Azov's Odyssey turns Ukraine war into modern myth
-
Middle East war a boon for UAE defence giant with global ambitions
-
Boat builders keep Pakistan's fishing heritage afloat
-
Former gang member found guilty of murdering Tupac Shakur
-
Australia axe Labuschagne for Zimbabwe, South Africa ODI series
-
Top-seeded Zverev opens US Open campaign
-
Heavy rain at Grand Canyon after flood kills 2, dozen missing
-
US regulator, 22 states accuse Amazon of 'manipulating' ad auctions: lawsuit
-
Kushner blames soccer power struggle for World Cup plan collapse
-
TRON Founder Justin Sun Shares Outlook on Bitcoin, Stablecoins and Global Finance at Bitcoin Asia 2026
-
Buoyant Alcaraz shakes off nerves to advance at US Open
-
Tributes to 'eternal' Messi on Argentina retirement
-
US draws European pushback with Russia G20 finance invite
-
Arteta hails Arsenal's 'finishers' after Saka kills off Villa
-
Jury begins deliberations in Tupac Shakur murder trial
-
Yamal, Raphinha bag braces as Barcelona rout Rayo
-
US Supreme Court allows Trump ballroom project to proceed
-
Alcaraz makes winning return at US Open, Sabalenka safely through
-
Trump says US reviewing position on Falkland Islands
-
Everton agree to sign Monaco's Balogun: reports
-
Saka strikes as flawless Arsenal punish troubled Villa
-
Milei calls for F1 to return to Argentina
-
Oil prices surge on renewed fighting in US-Iran war
-
Alcaraz wins US Open first-round match after injury layoff
-
Cycling superstar Pogacar has surgery after Vuelta crash
-
Kyiv orders heightened security amid intense Russian drone strikes
-
Man City agree deal for Everton's Ndiaye
-
Sabalenka kickstarts US Open three-peat bid as Fils crashes out
-
Apple CEO Tim Cook gives nod to founder Steve Jobs in final memo
-
Fils upset by resurgent Tsitsipas at US Open
-
Russian finance minister makes unexpected appearance at G20
-
Trump says AI data center opponents want to be 'backwards and poor'
-
Happy to be back in NY, Sabalenka advances
-
Pakistan ditch coaches, send seven players home after England defeats
-
Naomi Watts to receive lifetime award at top Spain film fest
-
Galliano pulls Met Gala exhibit after antisemitism backlash
-
Jury hears closing arguments in Tupac Shakur murder trial
-
Afghan people should 'not be abandoned': top Red Cross official
-
Pakistan sack coach, send seven players home after England defeats
-
Six defining moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina career
-
New storms threaten Grand Canyon flood search, 2 bodies recovered
-
Trump blasts US backlash against data centers
-
France takes aim at ultra-fast fashion with new levy
-
It 'hurts' says Messi of decision to retire from international football
-
Tribunal says India cannot withdraw from water treaty with Pakistan
-
Benzema ends brief stint with Al Hilal in Saudi league
-
John Galliano pulls US exhibition after antisemitism backlash
-
Djokovic's Grand Slam future uncertain after brutal US Open defeat
Holders Australia drawn with New Zealand in Rugby League World Cup
Holders Australia were drawn Sunday in the same group as fellow heavyweights New Zealand for next year's Rugby League World Cup, with Brisbane announced as host of both the men's and women's finals.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be played this year, but host nation France pulled out due to financial constraints.
The International Rugby League (IRL) shifted the event to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea with the action now set for October 15-November 15 in 2026.
It will be a slimmed-down competition featuring 10 men's, eight women's and eight wheelchair teams.
"International rugby league has never been more competitive and there will be genuine superstars across all groups and stages in this tournament," said IRL chairman Troy Grant.
"With the popularity of rugby league soaring to unprecedented heights, the international game is riding a wave of momentum into what will be the biggest global showcase the game has seen."
Twelve-time men's winners Australia are in Group A alongside New Zealand, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
England headline Group B with Samoa and Lebanon, while Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France fill out Group C.
Group A teams will play matches against each other.
Group B and C teams will each play three matches against the teams in the adjacent group, so Group B teams will play against Group C teams only, and vice-versa.
The top two from Group A will make the semi-finals, as will the top two from a combined table of Group B and Group C.
Matches will be played in Sydney, Port Moresby, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Brisbane, Wollongong, Gold Coast and Townsville.
All six women's World Cup titles have been shared between Australia and New Zealand.
They were drawn in opposite groups with Australia alongside England, Samoa and Wales while New Zealand were pitted with Papua New Guinea, France and Fiji.
Each team will play the others in their group with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.
Men's tournament
Group A - Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands
Group B - England, Samoa, Lebanon
Group C - Tonga, Papua New Guinea, France
Women's tournament
Group A - Australia, England, Samoa, Wales
Group B - New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, France, Fiji
X.Matos--PC
