Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final: Australia vs. New Zealand Set for Brisbane on November 15

Verified: November 8, 2026, at 13:09 UTC.

Australia will face New Zealand in the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup final after the Jillaroos beat Fiji 30–14 in Sunday’s semifinal. The Kiwi Ferns booked their place a day earlier with a 32–0 win over Samoa, setting up another championship meeting between the two rivals.

The final is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Fans should check the kickoff time before making plans: the stadium lists 3:10 p.m. Brisbane time, while another tournament fixture listing shows 3:15 p.m.

Destaques

• Australia reached the final by defeating Fiji 30–14; New Zealand beat Samoa 32–0.
• The women’s final is part of a doubleheader with the men’s final at Suncorp Stadium.
• The stadium lists a 3:10 p.m. kickoff in Brisbane, AEST (UTC+10:00), but another fixture listing says 3:15 p.m.
• Australian viewers can stream the tournament live and free on 7plus.

Who is playing in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final?

The final brings together the Australian Jillaroos and New Zealand Kiwi Ferns, the same teams that contested the previous final. Australia is the defending champion, having beaten New Zealand 54–4 at Old Trafford in 2022. That victory completed a third consecutive women’s World Cup title for the Jillaroos, according to the NRL’s 2022 match report.

The 2026 match is still ahead, so there is no champion or final score to report. Australia will seek to extend its title run; New Zealand will have the opportunity to reverse the result of the previous final. Both teams must first name their matchday sides, and selections could change during the week.

How did Australia and New Zealand reach the final?

Australia had to recover from an early deficit against Fiji at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on November 8. Fiji led 8–0, and the teams were level 8–8 at halftime before the Jillaroos pulled away. Winger Abbi Church scored four tries in the 30–14 victory, including the late score that put the result beyond Fiji’s reach, the NRL match report said.

Fiji’s run was significant in its own right: the Bulikula reached the semifinals in their first Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Their performance against the defending champions also showed that a substantial halftime lead could not be assumed from Australia’s earlier results.

New Zealand secured its place on November 7 in Newcastle, shutting out Samoa 32–0. Stacey Waaka scored three tries, while captain Raecene McGregor’s kicking game helped guide the Kiwi Ferns, according to the NRL’s semifinal report. Samoa, like Fiji, reached a women’s World Cup semifinal for the first time in this tournament.

When and where is the women’s final?

The match is on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland. The stadium’s event page lists the women’s kickoff at 3:10 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time, or AEST (UTC+10:00), which is 05:10 UTC. The same page lists gates opening at 2:15 p.m. AEST and the men’s final at 6:35 p.m. AEST.

There is a five-minute discrepancy in published schedules: the tournament fixture page lists the women’s match at 3:15 p.m. AEST, equivalent to 05:15 UTC. Check the stadium and official match listings again closer to the day, especially if arranging travel or a broadcast reminder.

The doubleheader gives spectators the chance to see both the women’s and men’s champions decided at the same venue. The women’s result stands on its own; the later men’s final does not determine it. Ticket holders should review their booking and the stadium’s current entry information before traveling.

How can fans watch the final in Australia?

7plus says every match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is available to stream live and free on its service. Viewers should consult its broadcast schedule for the final’s coverage and any account or device requirements.

For anyone watching from outside Australia, rights and availability can differ by territory. Check the relevant local broadcaster and its current schedule rather than assuming that an Australian stream is available abroad.

What should viewers watch for in the final?

Church’s four-try semifinal makes Australia’s edge attack an obvious point of interest, while Waaka’s three tries against Samoa underline New Zealand’s own finishing threat. Those performances explain why both players will attract attention, although the final team lists and the way the game develops will determine their opportunities.

Australia’s recovery against Fiji and New Zealand’s shutout of Samoa also offer different clues about the finalists. Neither result guarantees what will happen in Brisbane: possession, defensive errors, kicking and field position can all change a knockout match quickly. The latest team announcements and confirmed kickoff listing are the practical details to check as the final approaches.

FAQ

Who won the last women’s Rugby League World Cup final?

Australia beat New Zealand 54–4 in the final played in 2022.

Has the 2026 women’s final been played?

No. As of November 8, it is scheduled for November 15 in Brisbane.

Is this the same competition as the Rugby World Cup in rugby union?

No. This is the Rugby League World Cup, contested under rugby league rules; rugby union has a separate World Cup.