Why rugby league needs Tonga-Samoa World Cup final
Summary
Tonga and Samoa have advanced to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup semi-finals after Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 in their group-stage match. The article says a final between the Pacific teams could challenge Australia and New Zealand’s long-running dominance and draw attention to international rugby league.Key Facts
- Tonga won all three of its group matches and will play New Zealand in the semi-final.
- Samoa will play Australia in a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final.
- Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 in their group-stage meeting in Sydney.
- Tonga and Samoa have each won 11 of their 23 meetings, with one match ending in a draw.
- Samoa finished as runners-up at the 2022 World Cup, its first appearance in a men’s final.
- Tonga reached the semi-finals in 2017 and lost 20-18 to England.
- Australia has won 10 of the last 11 men’s Rugby League World Cups, including the last three.
- The 2026 tournament has 10 teams, down from 16 in earlier editions.
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