Queensland Secures 2026 Rugby League World Cup Grand Finals

Queensland has scored a major sporting victory, with Brisbane confirmed as the host of both the men's and women's Grand Finals for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The marquee matches will take place at Suncorp Stadium, widely regarded as one of the best rugby league venues in the world.

The tournament will bring blockbuster action to three major Queensland centres - Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville - with thousands of interstate and overseas visitors expected to inject more than $18 million into the state's economy.

As part of the global event, Brisbane will host the finals series, while Townsville and the Gold Coast will stage key fixtures across the tournament. Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium will welcome the Australian men's team for a major match, and the Gold Coast's CBUS Super Stadium will host a triple-header featuring Samoa vs France (women), New Zealand vs Fiji (men) and New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea (women).

The event was secured through the Queensland Government's new Mega and Strategic Events Fund, a core commitment of the long-term tourism strategy, Destination 2045.

Premier David Crisafulli said landing three host cities was a significant achievement for the state.

"The Rugby League World Cup is a massive opportunity to showcase Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville on the world stage," he said. "Queenslanders love their footy, and the atmosphere will be incredible as visitors join locals to celebrate this world-class event."

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said hosting two Grand Finals reflects Queensland's ambition to become Australia's premier destination for major events.

"These matches will attract around 110,000 visitors and pump more than $18 million into our economy," he said. "This is another step in shining the global spotlight on Queensland as we head towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander added that securing elite rugby league content across the state reinforces Queensland's reputation as the heartland of the sport.

"Suncorp Stadium is the best rugby league arena on the planet, and there's no better place for the 2026 World Cup Grand Finals," he said. "Bringing major events to our cities strengthens our sporting culture and inspires more Queenslanders to get active."

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said international tournaments bring widespread benefits.

"Fans who travel for the Rugby League World Cup don't just attend matches - they explore, dine out and contribute to local communities across the state," he said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said hosting World Cup matches would provide a significant boost for the region.

"Rugby league is part of our city's identity, and locals will be excited to see the world's best players take the field on the Gold Coast," he said.

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will run from 15 October to 15 November 2026 and feature a ten-team men's competition, an eight-team women's tournament and an eight-team wheelchair tournament.