The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived!
After weeks of international rugby league, the 2026 Rugby League World Cup comes down to one final match, with Australia and New Zealand preparing to battle for international supremacy.
The Kangaroos and Kiwis have both produced impressive performances throughout the tournament, overcoming their respective semi-final opponents to book their places in Sunday’s decider.
For Australia, it’s an opportunity to continue their dominance of international rugby league and add another World Cup trophy to their collection.
For New Zealand, it’s a chance to reclaim the title and capture their first men’s Rugby League World Cup since their famous 2008 triumph.
And there’s an extra layer of intrigue. These two nations opened the tournament against one another, with Australia narrowly prevailing 24–22 in a thrilling encounter.
Now, after an entire tournament, they meet again with everything on the line.
The final takes place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, providing the perfect stage for what promises to be an enormous occasion.
At Jerseys Megastore, we’re counting down to kick-off and celebrating everything that makes international rugby league so special.
As Canberra’s stockist of officially licensed NRL and international rugby league merchandise, we’re proud to help supporters represent their nations.
Let’s take a closer look at the biggest match of the tournament and see who we’re backing to lift the trophy!
Australia v New Zealand
Sunday, 15 November | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 6:35pm AEST (7:35pm AEDT)
Kangaroos v Kiwis: One final battle for World Cup glory
There aren’t many rivalries in international rugby league that carry the same history, passion and significance as Australia against New Zealand.
Whenever these two nations meet, there’s always something extra on the line.
This weekend, however, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup Final will see the two traditional powerhouses go head-to-head, with Australia looking to maintain their position at the top of the international game and New Zealand hoping to create another memorable chapter in their rugby league history.
Both teams have demonstrated their quality throughout the tournament, and their semi-final performances suggest they’re approaching the final in excellent form.
Australia produced a commanding 44–12 victory over Samoa, while New Zealand defeated Tonga 34–10.
Neither side will be short of confidence heading into Sunday’s blockbuster.
Australia: The Kangaroos are one step away
Australia entered the tournament as favourites, and despite a narrow opening-round victory over New Zealand, they’ve demonstrated why they’re considered the benchmark in international rugby league.
Their attacking performance against Samoa in the semi-final was particularly impressive.
Led by an outstanding performance from Reece Walsh, who scored a hat-trick, the Kangaroos showcased their ability to turn attacking opportunities into points.
Their squad is packed with representative experience, with quality throughout the forward pack, spine and outside backs.
Players such as Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Reece Walsh and Tom Trbojevic provide Australia with an exceptional attacking arsenal.
However, New Zealand will present a significantly different challenge from Samoa.
The Kangaroos will need to be disciplined defensively and ensure they don’t allow the Kiwis to establish momentum through the middle of the field.
Australia’s experience in major international finals could prove invaluable, particularly if the match remains close heading into the final quarter.
Having already beaten New Zealand earlier in the tournament, the Kangaroos will know exactly what’s required to get the job done.
But they’ll also know that the Kiwis won’t make it easy.
New Zealand: The Kiwis chasing history
New Zealand have been building towards this moment throughout the tournament.
Their semi-final performance against Tonga demonstrated just how dangerous they can be when their forward pack establishes dominance and their attacking players are given room to operate.
The return of Kalyn Ponga has provided another significant dimension to their attack, with the superstar fullback producing an outstanding performance against Tonga.
Jahrome Hughes has also been instrumental, providing creativity, organisation and an excellent kicking game.
The combination of Hughes and Ponga gives New Zealand two genuine match-winners capable of turning a contest in an instant.
However, the biggest challenge will be matching Australia’s physicality and maintaining defensive discipline for the full 80 minutes.
The Kiwis will also be particularly motivated by the opportunity to reclaim the World Cup.
Their famous 2008 victory over Australia at Suncorp Stadium remains one of the greatest moments in New Zealand rugby league history.
Winning another World Cup at the same venue would be an extraordinary achievement.
New Zealand have the players and the confidence to make it happen, but they’ll need to produce their best performance of the tournament.
The history: A rivalry that never disappoints
The opening match of this World Cup provided a perfect example of just how close these two nations are.
Australia escaped with a narrow 24–22 victory over New Zealand, with the contest going right down to the wire.
That result will certainly be on the minds of both camps heading into the final.
For Australia, it’s an opportunity to repeat their opening-round performance and finish the tournament with another victory over their greatest rivals.
For New Zealand, it’s a chance to prove that the opening result was no indication of what they’re capable of producing.
The history between these nations adds another fascinating element.
New Zealand’s famous 34–20 victory in the 2008 World Cup Final remains their only men’s World Cup triumph, while Australia have traditionally dominated the competition.
Sunday presents the Kiwis with an opportunity to create another unforgettable moment.
The key battle: The battle of the spines
While the forward packs will undoubtedly play an important role, much of the attention will be on the two attacking spines.
Australia possess tremendous attacking depth, with Munster and Dearden providing creativity and direction, while Walsh offers explosive speed and individual brilliance from fullback.
New Zealand have their own weapons, with Hughes and Ponga capable of creating opportunities from almost anywhere on the field.
The team that controls the middle of the field and gives its playmakers time and space will have a significant advantage.
Another important factor will be the kicking game.
Both sides possess excellent kickers, and controlling territory could be crucial in a match where scoring opportunities may be limited.
Expect plenty of physicality, some outstanding individual moments and potentially another finish that goes down to the wire.
Our Prediction
This is exactly the sort of final international rugby league deserves.
Australia have looked increasingly dangerous throughout the tournament, and their performance against Samoa demonstrated the attacking quality they possess.
However, New Zealand’s semi-final victory over Tonga was equally impressive, and the Kiwis have the players to challenge Australia across the park.
We expect another close contest, particularly given the two-point margin in their opening-round meeting.
Ultimately, Australia’s experience and depth give them a slight advantage.
The Kangaroos have too many attacking weapons, and we expect Reece Walsh and Cameron Munster to play significant roles in the outcome.
Jerseys Megastore Tip: Australia by 6 points.
Predicted Score: Australia 28–22 New Zealand
Players to Watch: Reece Walsh could be the difference for Australia, while Kalyn Ponga and Jahrome Hughes will be crucial to New Zealand’s chances of causing an upset.
The Final Word: Who Will Lift the Trophy?
There is something special about an Australia-New Zealand World Cup Final.
It’s a rivalry built on decades of international rugby league history, with both nations possessing enormous pride in representing their colours.
For Australia, victory would reinforce their position as the dominant force in the international game.
For New Zealand, winning at Suncorp Stadium would create another historic moment and provide a fitting reward for a tournament campaign that has seen them overcome some significant challenges.
One thing is certain: neither nation will be giving an inch.
Whether you’re backing the green and gold or cheering for the Kiwis, make sure you’re ready for what should be a fantastic conclusion to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
