The Rugby League World Cup 2026 opens on Thursday 15 October with Australia taking on New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. It is a Round 1 fixture in Pool A of the men's tournament.
Kick-off time in your timezone
The match starts at 8:05 PM AEDT in Sydney. That is 7:05 PM in Brisbane, 5:05 PM in Perth, 10:05 PM in Auckland, 3:05 PM in Dhaka and 10:05 AM in London. Use our schedule page to switch between timezones.
Pool A at a glance
Australia and New Zealand share Pool A with Fiji and Cook Islands. The top two teams from the pool reach the semi-finals, so an opening win matters.
How to watch
Broadcasters differ by country. Check our how to watch guide or go straight to the official RLWC 2026 site for live options in your region.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Australia v New Zealand kick off?
Kick-off is 8:05 PM AEDT on Thursday 15 October 2026 in Sydney, which is 3:05 PM in Dhaka and 10:05 AM in London.
Where is the opening match played?
The match is at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.