Fiji and Samoa have created history by qualifying for the IRL Rugby League World Cup semi-finals for the first time after a record-breaking end to the group phase of the tournament.

Fetu Samoa booked their place in the knockout phase with a 24-6 victory over England in Wollongong on Friday night.

Frank Pritchard's side largely controlled the contest from the opening whistle, Freedom Crichton Ropati scoring a first half hat-trick as her side jumped out to a 12-0 lead.

England threatened to mount a comeback when Evie Cousins scored early in the second half but a late Fanua Rimoni try secured the victory for Samoa.

The focus then shifted to the Gold Coast on Saturday, with Fiji claiming a commanding 54-6 victory over France to secure a semi-final berth.

The Bulikula are playing in their First World Cup but have shown they won't take a backwards step throughout the group stage.

Winger Tahlia Marshall scored a double, while eight other players crossed the tryline in the comprehensive victory.

Fiji will now play the Jillaroos in next Sunday's semi-final at Allianz Stadium.

New Zealand entered the weekend with one foot in the final four but were dealt a scare by Papua New Guinea at Cbus Super Stadium.

The Orchids led 12-10 after 22 minutes and had their sights on a boil over before the Kiwi Ferns found their rhythm.

Kaiyah Atai scored late to give her side a half-time lead and it acted as the circuit breaker New Zealand needed.

The Kiwi Ferns added five more tries after the break to secure a 40-12 victory and set up a semi-final against Samoa in Newcastle.

The Jillaroos closed out Week 3 of the Women's World Cup with a historic victory over Wales.

Australia ran in 21 tries to claim a 124-6 win at CommBank Stadium. The margin was the biggest in international rugby league history.

Jaime Chapman scored six tries, matching Julia Robinson's record for most in a Test match. Jess Sergis scored four tries, Tamika Upton, Abbi Church and Keilee Joseph all claimed doubles, while Jesse Southwell kicked 20 goals and scored a try for a personal points haul of 44.

There was a moment of joy for Wales, who did what England and Samoa were unable to do by scoring a try against the Jillaroos when Paige Travis crossed in the 60th minute.

Judiciary: Liv Wood (England) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle
Early plea - Warning. Guilty at panel - 1-match ban.

Cristina Song Puche (France) - Grade 1 Dangerous Contact
Early plea - Warning. Guilty at panel - 1-match ban.

Tia Molo (PNG Orchids) - Grade 1 Contrary Conduct
Early plea - Warning. Guilty at panel - 1-match ban.

Essay Banu (PNG Orchids) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle
Early plea - Warning. Guilty at panel - 1-match ban.

England v Samoa, Friday 5.45pm AEDT at WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Fetu Samoa 24 bt England 6 - 30-Oct-2026

Fiji v France, Saturday 1.20pm AEDT at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Fiji 54 bt France 6 - 31-Oct-2026

New Zealand v PNG, Saturday 5.45pm AEDT at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Kiwi Ferns 40 bt Papua New Guinea Orchids 12 - 31-Oct-2026

Australia v Wales, Sunday 3.40pm AEDT at CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Australian Jillaroos 124 bt Wales 6 - 01-Nov-2026