LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The road to the 2026 men's Rugby League World Cup in Australia has been finalized, with only two spots left for teams to secure a place in the tournament.
Due to France withdrawing as hosts, the World Cup has been reduced from 16 teams to 10 teams.
Australia and Papua New Guinea have already qualified as hosts, while the quarter-finalists from the 2021 tournament in England - England, New Zealand, Fiji, Lebanon, Tonga, and Samoa - have also secured their spots.
The remaining two spots will be determined through playoffs, one in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere.
This means that teams from regions such as Europe and the Americas will have the opportunity to compete for a chance to participate in the prestigious World Cup.
The decision to reduce the number of teams reflects the desire for a more competitive and streamlined tournament, ensuring that only the best teams from around the world will have the chance to compete on the global stage.
The confirmation of the qualifying matches marks an important milestone on the journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
With the tournament set to be hosted in the rugby league heartland of Australia, there is sure to be intense competition as teams vie for a chance to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Fans can expect thrilling matches and fierce rivalries as teams from across the globe battle it out for a chance to be crowned World Cup champions.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, rugby league enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the action and drama that is sure to unfold.
With only two spots left up for grabs, the qualifying matches are set to be highly competitive, with teams leaving everything on the field in pursuit of their World Cup dreams.
The road to the 2026 men's Rugby League World Cup may be locked in, but the journey ahead promises to be an exhilarating ride for players and fans alike.