2021 World Cup format revealed

James Gordon

The format for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup was revealed at the RLIF Congress in York last week.

The men’s tournament will consist of 16 teams in four groups of four, with the top two from each group qualifying for the quarter-finals.

The groups will be drawn from four pots – pot 1 includes England, Australia, New Zealand and Tonga. Pot 2 consists of Lebanon, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Pot 3 currently comprises France and Wales, with six spots still to be claimed.

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of the RLWC2021, said: “One of our main aims was to hold the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup of all time and I’m delighted that we have that confirmed. With England opening each of our three tournaments, it will be a fantastic spectacle.

“It was important for us to demonstrate a commitment to tier 2 nations and growing maturity for the World Cup with a clearer format.

“I am delighted that we have worked with RLIF board to be able to share the format and structure of our three tournaments at this early stage.”

The women’s tournament will feature eight teams, split in to two groups of four, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals. England and Australia sit in pot 1, with New Zealand the only other confirmed nation at this stage.

The wheelchair tournament will follow the same structure, with England and France in pot 1, and no other nations confirmed as yet.

The 2021 World Cup will run from October 23 to November 27 and include 64 games.

The draw for the tournament will be made on November 27, 2019, while tickets will be available via a ballot.

Nigel Wood, Chief Executive of the RLIF, added: “The RLIF board are very impressed with the progress that RLWC2021 is making.

“To be able to announce this news across all three competitions, three years before their respective World Cup Finals, demonstrates further progress for the international game and we look forward to ongoing collaboration with the RLWC2021 organisers.”

International Australia