Women's Rugby League World Cup shapes as tighest yet as gap closes on hosts Australia - AOL

The Women’s Rugby League World Cup is set up to be the closest yet, with the gap tightening on hosts Australia. The competition has grown rapidly since the last tournament: the NRLW doubled from six teams playing five rounds to 12 teams and 11 rounds, giving the women’s game more airtime across Australia’s winter. The sport’s rising profile is also reflected in Women’s State of Origin, now a three-match series drawing crowds above 20,000 and broadcast reach of more than two million viewers per match. Eight teams will compete in 2026, including new entrants Fiji and Wales and Samoa’s return since 2003. Australia, New Zealand and England are viewed as leading challengers.