RLWC 2026 Power Rankings: Australia Precariously Top as France, Lebanon, Cook Islands Eliminated

With the Rugby League World Cup pool stage approaching its final round, the power rankings have shifted dramatically.

Australia remain the team to beat, Samoa have delivered two statement victories, and Tonga are building towards a blockbuster showdown. Meanwhile, England have kept their hopes alive, New Zealand have bounced back, and Fiji have shown they cannot be underestimated.

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup has already delivered some fascinating results, with dominant victories sitting alongside tight contests that have exposed weaknesses in some of the tournament favourites.

Australia survived a serious challenge from Fiji to win 36–22, New Zealand responded to their opening defeat by putting 82 points past the Cook Islands, and Samoa continued their impressive campaign with a 64–6 demolition of Papua New Guinea.

With the pool stage heading towards its conclusion, the battle for the semi-finals is becoming clearer. The Cook Islands, France, and Lebanon are excluded from these updated rankings as they are already eliminated from the tournament.

These rankings consider current form, quality of opposition, attacking threat, defensive performance and the likelihood of each side making a serious challenge for the trophy.

1. Australia

Form: Wins over New Zealand and Fiji (2-0)

Latest result: Defeated Fiji 36–22

Australia remain number one, but their latest performance showed that the defending champions are not invincible.

The Kangaroos opened the tournament with a hard-fought 24–22 win over New Zealand before overcoming Fiji in a match that was far more competitive than many expected. Fiji led 16–12 after 45 minutes, forcing Australia to respond under pressure.

The second-half performance was encouraging. James Tedesco helped steady the attack, and Tom Trbojevic crossed for a hat-trick.

Australia's ability to find another gear when required remains their greatest strength. They possess experience throughout the squad, individual brilliance in the outside backs and enough depth to change a match from the interchange.

However, the slow starts are becoming a concern. Against Samoa or Tonga, Australia may not be able to afford such a significant period of inconsistency. They remain the benchmark, but there is still work to do.

2. Samoa

Form: Wins over France and PNG (2-0)

Latest result: Defeated Papua New Guinea 64–6

Samoa have arguably been the most impressive team of the tournament so far.

After opening with a 78–4 victory over France, they followed it with a commanding 64–6 win against Papua New Guinea. Those results have produced a combined score of 142–10, highlighting both their attacking firepower and defensive strength.

Samoa have dangerous outside backs, powerful forwards and a squad filled with players who understand what it takes to perform at the highest level. Their ability to score from different areas of the field makes them particularly difficult to contain.

The question now is how they will perform against a genuinely elite opponent. Their upcoming clash with Tonga will be a significant test of their credentials.

For now, Samoa deserve second place. They have done everything asked of them and look capable of challenging Australia for the title.

3. Tonga

Form: Wins over England and Lebanon (2-0)

Latest result: Defeated Lebanon 36–0

Tonga have quietly put together an extremely convincing campaign.

Their 30–12 victory over England announced their intentions before they backed it up with a comprehensive 36–0 shutout of Lebanon, despite a solid performance from their opposition.

That second result was particularly impressive because it demonstrated their ability to control a match defensively as well as through their physical attack. The fact they kept a clean sheet was a big plus for the credentials.

Tonga's forward pack gives them a platform to compete with anyone, while their outside backs possess the strength and finishing ability to punish defensive mistakes.

Their victory over England also gives them a significant advantage in the combined Pool B and C standings, where head-to-head results can determine qualification if teams finish level on points.

The upcoming meeting with Samoa is arguably the most important game of the pool stage. Tonga have the physicality to win it, but they will need to be more clinical against an opponent who has scored freely in both matches.

They sit third because Samoa's overall performances have been slightly more convincing, but the gap between the two Pacific nations is small with their upcoming clash vital in seeing what level both sides are at.

4. New Zealand

Form: Loss to Australia, win over Cook Islands (1-1)

Latest result: Defeated the Cook Islands 82–16

New Zealand have responded exactly as they needed to after losing 24–22 to Australia in the opening match.

Their 82–16 victory over the Cook Islands was an emphatic attacking performance, with Jamayne Isaako scoring three tries and kicking 13 goals for a remarkable 38-point haul. Casey McLean and Ronaldo Mulitalo both scored doubles, while debutant Tanner Stowers-Smith also crossed twice.

Stowers-Smith's performance was particularly eye-catching, finishing with 177 running metres and seven tackle breaks in addition to his two tries.

The result restored confidence and demonstrated the Kiwis' attacking potential. They have the speed and skill to trouble any opponent when their playmakers are given time and space.

However, the opening defeat to Australia still matters, and the Cook Islands are not a good side. New Zealand must prove they can match the tournament's best over a full 80 minutes, rather than relying on a big score against a struggling opponent.

Their clash with Fiji will determine who joins Australia in the semi-finals from Pool A. It is a major test, and one the Kiwis cannot afford to underestimate.

5. England

Form: Loss to Tonga, win over France (1-1)

Latest result: Defeated France 82–0

England have responded to their disappointing opening defeat to Tonga with a dominant victory over France, but their semi-final hopes remain uncertain.

Their 82–0 win featured a hat-trick from Herbie Farnworth and a hat-trick from Dom Young. It was an emphatic response after England lost 30–12 to Tonga in their opener.

The result improved England's points difference, but their fate is not entirely in their own hands. They must beat Papua New Guinea in their final pool match and will then need the result of Tonga's clash with Samoa to fall their way.

England have enough talent to challenge the leading teams, but their opening performance raised questions about their ability to cope with physical opponents.

The victory over France was necessary, not conclusive. Their match against PNG is now a must-win contest, and they may need a substantial margin to keep their hopes alive.

6. Fiji

Form: Win over the Cook Islands and loss to Australia (1-1)

Latest result: Lost to Australia 36–22

Fiji may have lost their latest match, but their performance against Australia deserves considerable credit.

The Bati led 16–12 after 45 minutes and threatened to produce one of the tournament's biggest upsets before the Kangaroos' experience eventually proved decisive.

Semi Valemei scored a hat-trick, and Fiji showed they possess enough attacking quality to trouble the leading nations. Their willingness to move the ball and challenge Australia's defensive line was impressive.

The problem was maintaining that intensity for the full match. Australia were able to settle, take control of the contest and exploit their opportunities as the game progressed.

Fiji remain dangerous, but their next match against New Zealand is effectively a knockout encounter. The winner will progress to the semi-finals, while the loser will see its World Cup campaign end.

Fiji have already demonstrated they can compete with the best. Now they must prove they can finish the job.

7. Papua New Guinea

Form: Win over Lebanon, loss to Samoa (1-1)

Latest result: Lost to Samoa 64–6

Papua New Guinea have experienced a difficult week after following their 42–18 victory over Lebanon with a heavy defeat to Samoa.

The Kumuls were unable to contain Samoa's attacking weapons, conceding 64 points and leaving themselves with a poor points difference heading into the final round.

Their opening win showed they have enough quality to compete, but the defeat against Samoa highlighted the gap between PNG and the tournament's leading contenders.

Their final pool match against England is crucial. A victory would strengthen their qualification prospects and potentially eliminate England, while a defeat could leave them vulnerable depending on the other results.

PNG have the passion, physicality and home support to make life difficult for England. However, they will need a significant improvement in defensive organisation to turn the contest in their favour.

The final pool matches could reshape these rankings considerably.

Australia have secured their semi-final place, while the New Zealand–Fiji clash will determine the other qualifier from Pool A. In the combined Pool B and C standings, Samoa and Tonga are in strong positions, while England and Papua New Guinea face a decisive meeting.

England need a win over PNG and favourable results elsewhere. Lebanon and France will meet in a final opportunity to finish their campaigns strongly, with the outcome potentially affecting the lower places in the combined standings.

The biggest question remains whether anyone can stop Australia. Samoa and Tonga have looked formidable, New Zealand have rediscovered their attacking rhythm, and Fiji have shown they can push the favourites to the limit.

For now, Australia stay at the top, but the gap between the leading contenders is narrowing, and the final round promises to reveal much more about who can genuinely win the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.