Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea are set to host the Rugby League World Cup, which will include men's, women's, wheelchair, and physical disability tournaments. This decision comes after both the USA/Canada bid in 2016 and France's subsequent hosting agreement in 2022 were withdrawn due to financial concerns.
The combined model will see 53 matches played across 29 competing teams from 14 different nations within a busy month. The men's tournament has been scaled down from 16 to 10 teams, though relaxed eligibility rules will allow players with heritage to represent various nations.
In the UK, Premier Sports will broadcast the tournament, following the loss of free-to-air coverage. The build-up to England's participation has been overshadowed by discussions surrounding proposed NRL investment in the Super League.