Rugby League World Cup 2026 Semi Final Power Rankings: Samoa Fall Following Tonga Defeat

With the 2026 Rugby League World Cup semi-finalists confirmed, only four nations remain in contention for the ultimate prize.

Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa have all secured their places in the final four, setting up two fascinating clashes between some of international rugby league's strongest sides.

Here is how the sides are ranked with just four remaining nations heading into the semi-finals.

The Kangaroos remain the team to beat.

Australia have looked dangerous throughout the tournament, demonstrating the depth, quality and experience that has made them the benchmark of international rugby league.

Their 66–6 demolition of the Cook Islands was another reminder of their attacking capabilities, with the Kangaroos barely looking troubled. Going into the finals off the back of the best performance so far can only be a good thing for the Aussies.

They now face Samoa in the semi-finals, a repeat of the 2022 World Cup final. Australia will enter that contest with plenty of confidence, having defeated Samoa 30–10 in the previous tournament's decider.

There is little reason to move Australia from the top spot until somebody proves they can knock them off. There has been an underbelly exposed but now there is no hiding. If Australia make another statement in the semis it's hard to see anyone else winning the tournament.

New Zealand have arguably produced the most frightening individual performance of the tournament.

Their extraordinary 78–0 victory over Fiji sent a message to every remaining nation that the Kiwis are genuine contenders.

Their physicality, attacking combinations and defensive pressure have made them incredibly difficult to contain. They are another side who are coming into the finals off the back of their best performance of the tournament.

They now face a dangerous Tonga side in what could be the most entertaining match of the semi-finals.

There are questions surrounding the suspension of Ronaldo Mulitalo, but New Zealand have enough depth to compensate for his absence.

If they reproduce anything close to their performance against Fiji, they will be extremely difficult to stop.

Tonga have arguably been involved in the most entertaining match of the entire tournament.

Their dramatic 20–18 victory over Samoa demonstrated their resilience, physicality and ability to perform under enormous pressure.

Their semi-final against New Zealand presents a significant challenge, but Tonga have already demonstrated they can compete with the best.

They will need to improve their discipline and maintain their defensive intensity if they want to reach the final.

However, nobody should underestimate their chances. The win over Samoa will serve as a huge confidence boost, but if they want to compete with this New Zealand side they will need to try and control possession and field position.

Despite finishing below Tonga in their dramatic group-stage encounter, Samoa remain a serious threat.

Their 18–20 defeat demonstrated just how closely matched these two Pacific nations are.

Samoa have an abundance of individual talent, with the ability to trouble even the strongest defensive systems.

However, their inability to close out the contest against Tonga raises questions heading into their semi-final against Australia.

They will need a near-perfect performance to overcome the Kangaroos, and their ranking has slipped two places following that Tonga loss, because now they have to beat Australia which presents a very tough assignment.

Samoa have previously demonstrated that they can challenge Australia on the international stage, but this will require another enormous effort.