The world's best wheelchair rugby league players will descend on Wollongong this weekend for the opening round of the IRL World Cup.

Ireland and USA will kick off the tournament on Friday afternoon at the WIN Entertainment Centre with England taking on Wales later in the day.

France and Scotland will do battle on Saturday before a huge Trans-Tasman showdown between Australia and New Zealand at 5.30pm.

England enter the tournament as defending champions, having beaten France in a tense final in 2022 but the Wheelaroos are confident they can progress to the decider for the first time since 2008.

New Zealand are playing in the Wheelchair World Cup for the first time, while Wales are eager to build on their semi-final finish four years ago.

Official squads, team lists and schedule for all Round 1 matches of the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

Full tournament draw HERE
Get your tickets HERE

NOTE: Teams will be announced 24 hours prior to kick-off of each match with each nation naming a 10-player squad. A final nine-player team will be confirmed 90 minutes prior to kick-off.

World Cup Round 1 Team Lists

Ireland v USA, Friday October 30 1pm AEDT at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Team Lists: Ireland vs USA - 30-Oct-2026

England v Wales, Friday October 30 3.30pm at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Team Lists: England vs Wales - 30-Oct-2026

France v Scotland, Saturday October 31 3pm at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Team Lists: France vs Scotland - 31-Oct-2026

Australia v New Zealand, Saturday October 31 5.30pm at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Team Lists: Australia vs New Zealand - 31-Oct-2026