THE 2026 Rugby League World Cup is set for a major shake-up in the shape of a new format.

That’s according to the AAP, which has claimed that the 2026 tournament will feature three groups instead of the traditional four, with Group A set to feature four teams, while Groups B and C will each field three teams.

This means that for every team to have three group stage matches, nations from Groups B and C will have to play each other.

With that in mind, only four teams will progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.

The top two in Group A and only the top two teams from Groups B and C combined will progress, ensuring only the best four teams make it to the next round.

International Rugby League (IRL) chair, Troy Grant, however, held his cards close to his chest when asked about the format change.

“I’m confident the ARL Commission are designing the tournament to be entertaining, enticing and as family friendly as possible,” Grant told the AAP.

“Last year we had the most internationals played world wide in the history of the IRL, outside of a World Cup year. The quality is just getting better and better.

The 2026 RLWC begins on October 15 with the final on November 15.