LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Rugby League World Cup aims to penetrate the American market again, with reports suggesting a strong interest in hosting the 2030 edition in the United States. Concurrently, there may also be changes to the NRL season's opening matches.
Originally, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 was set to take place in the USA and Canada in 2025. However, financial backing for the tournament fell through, leading to the transfer of hosting rights to France. Due to the absence of government support for this event, its schedule was pushed back by a year, with Australia eventually securing hosting rights, with contributions from Papua New Guinea and New Zealand for their respective nation's matches.
The next men's World Cup is scheduled for 2030.
The International Rugby League (IRL) has confirmed that Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and the United States have submitted bids to host the tournament in 2030. Journalist Steve Mascord has indicated that there is a significant effort for the U.S. to be granted these hosting rights.
Additionally, Mascord reported that the NRL is considering moving its opening round to Wembley Stadium in London, following the completion of a five-year deal with Las Vegas.