Rugby League World Cup 2026 semi-finals and wheelchair games coverage

Consensus Summary

The Rugby League World Cup semi-finals are underway, with matches scheduled across Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026. The weekend features double-headers for both Australia and New Zealand, with the Kiwi Ferns and Kiwis playing Samoa and Tonga, respectively, on Saturday, while the Jillaroos and Kangaroos face Fiji and Samoa on Sunday. All matches are broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport, with coverage tailored to different time zones across Australia. The semi-finals are set to determine the finalists for the tournament, with the winners advancing to the final on Sunday, November 8, at Sydney Football Stadium.

The semi-final weekend marks a significant milestone in the Rugby League World Cup, following a series of preliminary matches. The tournament has seen intense competition, with teams like Samoa and Tonga making deep runs despite being underdogs. The Kiwi Ferns and Kiwis, in particular, are seen as strong contenders, with their matches against Samoa and Tonga drawing significant attention. The event also includes wheelchair rugby games on Friday, November 6, adding to the diversity of the competition.

Key figures in the coverage include commentators like Drury Forbes, Andrew Voss, and Mel McLaughlin, who are providing live analysis and insights. The ABC highlights the Kiwi Ferns’ lineup, including players like Raecene McGregor and Georgia Hale, while 7NEWS details the broadcast schedule, including specific start times for each match across different cities. The commentary teams are also notable, with experts like Emma Verran, Luke Keary, and David Riccio contributing to the coverage.

While both 7NEWS and ABC agree on the core schedule and locations, 7NEWS provides extensive details on broadcast times and commentary teams, whereas ABC focuses more on the teams’ rosters and tactical insights. Notably, 7NEWS mentions the wheelchair games starting at 11pm AEDT on Friday, November 6, which ABC does not cover. Additionally, 7NEWS emphasizes the live and free nature of the broadcasts, while ABC’s coverage is more centered on the live blog and radio updates.

The semi-finals are expected to be highly competitive, with the outcomes determining the finalists for the Rugby League World Cup. The matches on Monday, November 9, will conclude the semi-final stage, with two more games scheduled at 11am and 1.30pm AEDT. The tournament’s success is also marked by tributes, such as the ABC’s mention of Paul Langmack, a former premiership winner from the 1980s who passed away this week at age 61, underscoring the event’s broader impact on the rugby league community.