A travelling World Cup with more teams
The 2030 men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cups will use a travelling Magic Round format across the Pacific and United States, International Rugby League announced in Sydney on November 9. The tournaments will be organised with the Australian Rugby League Commission.
The plan increases the men’s field from 10 teams in 2026 to 12 in 2030, and the women’s field from eight to 10. IRL describes five host locations, each staging several matches over multiple days before the competition moves on.
Host cities and the detailed format remain open
The five cities have not been chosen. IRL says it will seek suitable stadium locations, while the detailed competition format remains subject to feedback from member nations. The announcement provides no exact match dates, ticket prices or booking terms.
The wheelchair tournament is intended to run at the same time. The release describes France as the leading host option, so that wording should not be treated as a completed venue announcement.
A wider heritage eligibility rule
IRL also says its board has agreed to extend heritage eligibility to a player’s great-grandparent across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair forms of the game. The statement does not specify an implementation date or replace an individual eligibility check.
Samoa and Tonga are being consulted about promotion to men’s Tier 1 status. The release describes a potential elevation, rather than a completed change. Fans planning to attend in 2030 should wait for confirmed cities and ticket details.
