Rugby League World Cup
Every men's Rugby League World Cup from the first in 1954 to the 2022-played 2021 edition, plus a full preview of the 2026 tournament — hosts, results, venues, and a nations directory (national sides, not clubs) covering every country that's ever taken part.
Data last verified: 11 August 2026.
Reigning champions: Australia (2021 Rugby League World Cup). Next tournament: 2026, hosted by Australia & Papua New Guinea (15 October – 15 November 2026).
All tournaments
2021 Rugby League World CupHosted by England · Champion: Australia · 16 teams2017 Rugby League World CupHosted by Australia, New Zealand & Papua New Guinea · Champion: Australia · 14 teams2013 Rugby League World CupHosted by England, Wales, France & Ireland · Champion: Australia · 14 teams2008 Rugby League World CupHosted by Australia · Champion: New Zealand · 10 teams2000 Rugby League World CupHosted by England, France, Ireland, Scotland & Wales · Champion: Australia · 16 teams1995 Rugby League World CupHosted by England & Wales · Champion: Australia · 10 teams1989–1992 Rugby League World CupHosted by Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, France & Papua New Guinea · Champion: Australia · 5 teams1985–1988 Rugby League World CupHosted by Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, France & Papua New Guinea · Champion: Australia · 5 teams1977 Rugby League World CupHosted by Australia & New Zealand · Champion: Australia · 4 teams1975 Rugby League World CupHosted by No single host — matches played across Australia, England, France, New Zealand and Wales · Champion: Australia · 5 teams1972 Rugby League World CupHosted by France · Champion: Great Britain · 4 teams1970 Rugby League World CupHosted by England · Champion: Australia · 4 teams1968 Rugby League World CupHosted by Australia & New Zealand · Champion: Australia · 4 teams1960 Rugby League World CupHosted by Great Britain · Champion: Great Britain · 4 teams1957 Rugby League World CupHosted by Australia · Champion: Australia · 4 teams1954 Rugby League World CupHosted by France · Champion: Great Britain · 4 teams
Titles by nation
| Rank | Nation | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 12 |
| 2 | Great Britain | 3 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 1 |
More stats
2026 World Cup preview →
Hosts, groups, venues, key dates.
Nations →
Every country that's played in a Rugby League World Cup, with appearances and titles.
Records & Statistics →
Team records, match records, attendance extremes and notable individual performances, all in one place.
Venues →
Every ground that's hosted a World Cup final, 1954-2022.
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