Australia will enter Rugby League World Cup 2026 as the No.1 Men's and Women's teams after the updated IRL World Rankings were announced, but the Kangaroos and Jillaroos will need to win to ensure they retain top spot.

New Zealand, England and Pacific heavyweights Samoa and Tonga head the chasing pack after the Kangaroos No.1 ranking, while the Kiwi Ferns are aiming to regain the Women’s World Cup trophy they held until 2013.

Key match ups that will impact directly on the IRL World Rankings include:

Kangaroos v Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on October 1
England v Tonga at Perth’s HBF Park on October 17
PNG v Samoa at Santos National Stadium on October 24
England v PNG at WIN Stadium on October 30
Samoa v Tonga at CommBank Stadium on November 1
France v Lebanon at CommBank Stadium on November 1

The Pacific nations dominate the Men's Top 10, with Samoa 4th, Tonga 5th, Papua New Guinea 6th, Fiji 7^th and Cook Islands 8^th.

Netherlands (9th) and Ukraine (10th), who have not qualified for RLWC2, round out the Top 10, ahead of World Cup founders France (11th). Lebanon, the 10^th nation in the Men’s World Cup are 23^rd,as they have not played a meaningful Test since the last World Cup in 2022.

In the Women's rankings, England are third, followed by France (4^th), Samoa (5th) and Papua New Guinea (6th). Of the other World Cup nations, Wales have dropped to ninth after their recent 14-0 loss to Canada (7th) and Fiji are 12^th.

Ireland (8th), Wales (9th) and Nigeria (10th) round out the Top 10.

Canada Men’s and Women’s teams have been rewarded for successful European tours with both the Wolverines and Ravens making the most significant climbs in the latest IRL World Rankings.

The Wolverines rose 12 places from 29th to 17th after beating Norway and Netherlands, while suffering a 22-10 loss to Scotland, who have also moved up seven places to 20th in the World Rankings as of July 31.

The Ravens, who failed to qualify for RLWC26 after losing to Fiji at the inaugural Women’s World Series in Toronto last November, were the biggest movers in the updated Women’s World Rankings.

Canada are now ranked seventh – up from 13th after beating Wales and Scotland – both of whom were ranked higher before their meeting.

The Ravens also beat Ireland in last year's World Series.

Canada Rugby League Association President John Cameron said the rise of the Ravens and Wolverines was the result of work to grow the game in Canada and develop pathways for players under the coaching of Matt Barron and Aaron Zimmerle.

“Though the rankings may show a quick, dramatic rise, it is rather the result of a series of steps our organisation has taken over the last few years that is now showing in the rankings,” Cameron said.

“Developing our base through our pathways - especially our U19s, have provided the Head Coach Zimmerle and the Wolverines a steady stream of new debutants that has led to new blood coming into the system.

“This influx of new talent has also led to growth in our domestic leagues - including additional levels in BC, and teams in Ontario - all contributing to more playing time.”

Ravens co-captain Megan Pakulis is enjoying her second stint in England’s Women’s Super League after last year becoming the first North American to play in the NRLW for Gold Coast Titans, and she has been joined at York by fullback Petra Woods.

“Our women have continued to build off the base established by Mike Castle, now led by Matt Barron, but what has changed is both the increase in domestic games - leading to more playing time - and a couple of our Ravens joining international professional leagues,” Cameron said.

“Combined, a stronger foundation - through more ages, an expanded domestic scene - and more games internationally- have all combined to provide momentum to the CRLA.

“The support from the IRL in helping identify international opportunities for our teams to compete has provided that final ingredient to make these tours so fruitful.

“The most sustainable approach to grow from here is to double down on what we’re doing - build the pathways, provide opportunities to play at home and abroad; while continuing to professionalize our organizational and financial structure to support its growth.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.