Men’s Rugby League World Cup: England Fixtures and News

Last winning the competition in 1972, England will be hoping to cause another upset ahead of the upcoming 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup.

With Australia set to play New Zealand in the tournament opener on 15 October, England’s players will have to wait a further two days before they begin their campaign in Perth.

Read on to see England’s fixtures, how to watch, and the latest squad news.

England’s Group Stage Fixtures

How to Watch

Fans in England will need a Premier Sports subscription to watch the tournament, while fans in Australia can follow the action for free on Channel Seven.

Selection News

Having played in their historic Super League Grand Final win over Warrington Wolves, four Wakefield Trinity players withdrew from England selection due to injury.

This includes prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele, second-rower Mike McMeeken, half-back Jake Trueman, and winger Tom Johnstone, who scored Wakefield’s last try of the final. 

Full England Squad List

Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves)

AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans)

Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)

Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)

Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)

Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors)

Max King (Bulldogs)

Morgan Knowles (Dolphins)

Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)

Jez Litten (Hull KR)

Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors)

Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors)

Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers)

Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)

Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters)

Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors)

Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders)

Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors)

Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors)

Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos)

Jack Welsby (St Helens)

George Williams (Warrington Wolves)

Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)

Latest

The major talking point of Brian McDermott’s team selection was the omission of Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor, who also missed out on a call-up to last year’s England’s Ashes squad despite winning the 2025 Super League Man of Steel award.

Some of those that were selected will have a longer distance to travel than others ahead of England’s opener against Tonga. 10 of the squad will make the relatively short trip to Perth following the conclusion of the NRL season, including Victor Radley, Hugo Savala and Dom Young who all competed in the Grand Final.

They will be met by the remainder of the squad who play in the Super League, with three of Warrington Wolves’ Grand Final side included after the club’s loss to Wakefield Trinity, who won their first ever Super League title.

Other notable absentees include Owen Trout and Matty Nicholson, two NRL forwards who have yet to solidify their place in the national team.

Article by Zakaria Anani