World Cup semi-finals: confirmed dates, venues and kickoff times for 7–8 November
Newcastle and Sydney host the men’s and women’s semi-finals. Here are the confirmed matchups, with AEDT, UTC and CAT times clearly separated.
The Rugby League World Cup organiser has confirmed the semi-final programme for 7–8 November 2026. Newcastle stages Saturday’s double-header; Sydney hosts Sunday’s.
Saturday, 7 November: Newcastle
At McDonald Jones Stadium, New Zealand face Samoa in the women’s semi-final at 17:45 AEDT (06:45 UTC; 08:45 CAT). The men’s match between New Zealand and Tonga follows at 20:05 AEDT (09:05 UTC; 11:05 CAT).
Sunday, 8 November: Sydney
At Allianz Stadium, Australia face Fiji in the women’s semi-final at 17:45 AEDT (06:45 UTC; 08:45 CAT). Australia then play Samoa in the men’s semi-final at 20:05 AEDT (09:05 UTC; 11:05 CAT).
Plan around the match, not an unlabeled clock
These are the times in the official semi-final announcement, converted from Australian Eastern Daylight Time. CAT is UTC+2; AEDT is UTC+11. Check the organiser again before travelling, as event schedules can change.
The pairings are confirmed fixtures. Predictions about tactics, selections or likely winners require separate evidence and will be assessed as the matches approach.
Sources & further reading
Reporting supports the facts; the interpretation is our editorial view. Published 01 Nov 2026. Updated 01 Nov 2026, 17:30 CAT.
- Official semi-final programme ↗RLWC2026
