Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026: Squads, Fixtures, Player Rankings & Predictions
World Cup 2026 + Squads + Fixtures + Player Rankings + Predictions.
EXCEL Sports World Cup 2026 Forecast — Before a Ball Is Kicked
Before the opening whistle of the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, EXCEL Sports Management is putting its predictions on the record.
We have analysed all eight nations and every player selected across the 184-player World Cup field to answer the biggest questions before the tournament begins. Who has the strongest squad? Who are the highest-rated players? Who will reach the semi-finals? And who will become the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup Champions?
Our rankings are not based on reputation alone. Every player has been assessed using 2026 performance, current form, positional value, elite-level experience, international experience and the strength of the competition in which they play. These are the EXCEL Sports pre-tournament rankings and predictions — published before a ball is kicked.
EXCEL Sports Women’s World Cup 2026 Power Rankings
Eight nations. 184 players. One complete squad analysis.
Based on our pre-tournament scoring model, these are the eight nations ranked from strongest to weakest heading into the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
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EXCEL SPORTS POWER RANKINGS — BEFORE KICK-OFF
🥇 1. AUSTRALIA — 91.2/100 Best 17: 92.2 | Full Squad: 89.4 | Performance Index: 88.8
🥈 2. NEW ZEALAND — 90.2/100 Best 17: 91.2 | Full Squad: 88.2 | Performance Index: 88.5
🥉 3. ENGLAND — 85.4/100 Best 17: 86.3 | Full Squad: 84.1 | Performance Index: 82.3
4. SAMOA — 84.1/100 Best 17: 85.4 | Full Squad: 82.0 | Performance Index: 81.1
5. FIJI — 81.5/100 Best 17: 82.6 | Full Squad: 80.3 | Performance Index: 77.5
6. WALES — 78.2/100 Best 17: 79.7 | Full Squad: 76.3 | Performance Index: 72.8
7. PAPUA NEW GUINEA — 75.0/100 Best 17: 76.8 | Full Squad: 72.9 | Performance Index: 68.6
8. FRANCE — 71.2/100 Best 17: 72.4 | Full Squad: 70.9 | Performance Index: 64.8
Just 1.0 point separates Australia and New Zealand at the top of the EXCEL Sports model. On our numbers, the battle for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup could be much closer than many expect.
What Do the EXCEL Sports World Cup Rankings Tell Us?
Australia enters the tournament as the No.1-ranked nation in the EXCEL Sports model at 91.2, but New Zealand is right behind at 90.2.
That one-point gap tells us something important: on paper, this is not a one-team World Cup.
Australia possesses extraordinary depth across its entire 23-player squad, while New Zealand has assembled a Kiwi Ferns squad stacked with NRLW talent capable of challenging the Jillaroos across the field.
Behind the two favourites, another battle emerges.
England (85.4) and Samoa (84.1) are separated by only 1.3 points, while Fiji (81.5) sits close enough to make them one of the most dangerous teams outside the traditional tournament powers.
Wales (78.2), Papua New Guinea (75.0) and France (71.2) complete our pre-tournament rankings — but World Cups are not won on spreadsheets.
Rankings tell us where teams begin. The tournament will tell us where they finish.
And that's where the EXCEL Sports forecast begins.
EXCEL Sports Prediction: Group A
Group A: Australia • England • Samoa • Wales
On our pre-tournament numbers, Group A could produce one of the biggest battles of the World Cup.
Australia enters as the clear statistical favourite at 91.2, but the fight for the second semi-final position could be enormous.
England enters at 85.4, only 1.3 points ahead of Samoa at 84.1. That makes England v Samoa one of the group matches we believe could ultimately decide who progresses to the semi-finals.
Wales sits fourth in our Group A rankings at 78.2 and faces an enormous challenge against three nations ranked above them. But tournament football creates pressure, and one upset can completely change a group.
EXCEL SPORTS — PREDICTED GROUP A FINISH
🥇 1. Australia — 91.2
🥈 2. England — 85.4
🥉 3. Samoa — 84.14.
Wales — 78.2
Key Group A Match: England v Samoa
EXCEL Semi-Final Prediction: Australia & England
Our numbers favour England for second place — but by only 1.3 points. Samoa has enough NRLW quality and international talent to completely overturn this prediction.
EXCEL Sports Prediction: Group B
Group B: New Zealand • Fiji • Papua New Guinea • France
New Zealand enters Group B as the clear favourite in the EXCEL Sports model, carrying an overall squad rating of 90.2 and one of the strongest 23-player rosters at the tournament.
But the battle underneath the Kiwi Ferns is where this group becomes extremely interesting.
Fiji rates at 81.5, with a final squad containing significant NRLW and Australian-based talent. Papua New Guinea follows at 75.0, while France enters at 71.2.
On our numbers, Fiji v Papua New Guinea could be the match that determines the second semi-finalist from Group B.
EXCEL SPORTS — PREDICTED GROUP B FINISH
🥇 1. New Zealand — 90.2
🥈 2. Fiji — 81.5
🥉 3. Papua New Guinea — 75.04.
France — 71.2
Key Group B Match: Fiji v Papua New Guinea
EXCEL Semi-Final Prediction: New Zealand & Fiji
Our model gives Fiji the edge for second place, but Papua New Guinea has enough NRLW and Australian-based talent to make this a genuine battle for a World Cup semi-final.
EXCEL Sports Prediction: 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals
If our predicted group standings play out, the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-finals would bring together four very different teams — Australia, New Zealand, England and Fiji.
Based on the tournament crossover format, our predicted semi-finals are:
SEMI-FINAL 1
🇳🇿 New Zealand vs England 🏴
EXCEL Prediction: New Zealand to advance
England has the squad quality to challenge the Kiwi Ferns, particularly if they can control field position and stay in the contest deep into the second half.
But across our complete squad analysis, New Zealand's 90.2 rating compared with England's 85.4 gives the Kiwi Ferns the edge.
Predicted Finalist: New Zealand 🇳🇿
SEMI-FINAL 2
🇦🇺 Australia vs Fiji 🇫🇯
EXCEL Prediction: Australia to advance
Fiji could be one of the great stories of this World Cup. Their 81.5 rating reflects a squad containing considerably more NRLW and Australian-based talent than many people may realise.
But Australia's 91.2 rating, elite-level experience and extraordinary depth across its entire 23-player squad make the Jillaroos an enormous challenge.
Predicted Finalist: Australia 🇦🇺
That leaves the two highest-rated nations in our entire World Cup model standing: Australia 91.2. New Zealand 90.2. Just one point between them. One game for the World Championship.
Who Will Win the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup?
After analysing all eight nations, all 184 selected players and the strength of each country's complete 23-player squad, our model produces an incredibly tight battle at the top.
Australia — 91.2
New Zealand — 90.2
Only one point separates them.
Australia enters the tournament with extraordinary depth, experience and world-class talent across virtually every position. The Jillaroos are our statistical No.1 and remain the benchmark everyone else must overcome.
But New Zealand's 2026 squad is different.
The Kiwi Ferns have assembled a side packed with current NRLW talent, powerful forwards, genuine strike across the field and enough experience to challenge Australia physically for the full 80 minutes.
🏆 EXCEL SPORTS 2026 WORLD CUP CHAMPION PREDICTION
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA — WORLD CHAMPIONS
🥈 NEW ZEALAND — RUNNERS-UP
Our model gives Australia the narrowest of advantages.
EXCEL Sports prediction: Australia defeats New Zealand in the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final.
But with only 1.0 point separating the two nations in our pre-tournament model, we believe this could be one of the closest battles for women's international rugby league supremacy.
Australia starts No.1. New Zealand is right on their heels. Now the numbers stop — and the football begins.
How the EXCEL Sports World Cup Ranking System Works
Ranking 184 players from eight different nations is not as simple as comparing tries, metres, tackles or international appearances.
A player competing every week in the NRLW is performing against a different level of opposition to a player competing in a developing domestic competition. That difference has to matter.
For that reason, EXCEL Sports created a 100-point World Cup player rating system designed to assess both individual performance and the level at which that performance was produced.
EXCEL SPORTS PLAYER RATING — 100 POINTS
2026 Individual Performance & Statistics — 55 pointsThe largest component. Current-season production, involvement, work rate, effectiveness and measurable performance.
Current Form & Consistency — 15 pointsHow consistently the player has performed heading into the World Cup.
Positional Impact & Football Value — 15 pointsThe player's influence within her position, role and overall value to the team.
Elite-Level Experience — 10 pointsExperience performing in high-level competitions, finals and other elite environments.
International Experience — 5 pointsPrevious Test and international rugby league experience.
Competition Strength Matters
To make the rankings fairer, the maximum performance score available also changes according to the level of competition a player competed in during 2026.
Tier 1 — NRLW: maximum 55/55
Tier 2 — Women’s Super League: maximum 47/55
Tier 3 — Strong secondary, state and pathway competitions: maximum 41/55
Tier 4 — Wales and France domestic elite competitions: maximum 36/55
Tier 5 — PNG and Fiji domestic competitions: maximum 32/55
The player's nationality does not determine her tier. Her actual 2026 playing environment does. A Fijian, Samoan, Welsh, French or Papua New Guinean player competing in the NRLW is assessed as a Tier 1 player, exactly the same as an Australian or New Zealand NRLW player.
How We Calculate Each Nation’s World Cup Rating
Once every player in the 23-player World Cup squad has been individually rated, EXCEL Sports calculates an overall strength score for each nation.
We deliberately don't judge a country only by its biggest stars.
A World Cup can be decided by the strength of the starting side, the interchange bench, injuries, depth and the players called upon when a tournament doesn't go according to plan.
EXCEL SPORTS TEAM RATING FORMULA
Best 17 Players — 65%
The strongest possible match-day squad carries the greatest weighting.
Full 23-Player Squad — 25%World Cups require depth. The quality of the entire squad matters.
Performance Index — 10%
The average 2026 performance component across the complete squad, converted to a 100-point scale.
Together, those three measurements produce each nation's final EXCEL Sports World Cup Rating out of 100.
This is why our rankings aren't simply a list of the biggest names. They measure the strength of the team that can take the field, the depth sitting behind it and the current performance level of the entire squad.
Now we go deeper — from ranking the eight countries to ranking the players who will decide the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Top 25 Players at the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup — EXCEL Sports Rankings
For the first time in our World Cup analysis, we bring together players from all eight nations and rank them under one consistent scoring system.
These rankings are based on 2026 performance, current form, positional impact, elite-level experience, international experience and competition strength — not reputation, popularity or nationality.
The result is the EXCEL Sports Top 25 players entering the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
These are pre-tournament rankings. What happens from 16 October will determine who ultimately becomes the player of the World Cup.
EXCEL SPORTS TOP 25 WORLD CUP PLAYERS — PRE-TOURNAMENT
🥇 1. Tamika Upton — Australia 🇦🇺 — 100/100
🥈 2. Raecene McGregor — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 99/100
🥉 =3. Olivia Kernick — Australia 🇦🇺 — 98/100
🥉 =3. Evania Isa’ako — Samoa 🇼🇸 — 98/100
=5. Alexis Tauaneai — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 96/100
=5. Isabelle Kelly — Australia 🇦🇺 — 96/100
=5. Julia Robinson — Australia 🇦🇺 — 96/100
=8. Apii Nicholls — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 95/100
=8. Georgia Hale — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 95/100
=8. Georgia Roche — England 🏴 — 95/100
=8. Jessica Sergis — Australia 🇦🇺 — 95/100
=12. Stacey Waaka — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 94/100=
12. Tarryn Aiken — Australia 🇦🇺 — 94/100
=14. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 93/100=
14. Hollie-Mae Dodd — England 🏴 — 93/100
=14. Sarah Togatuki — Australia 🇦🇺 — 93/100
=14. Shannon Mato — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 93/100
=14. Taina Naividi — Fiji 🇫🇯 — 93/100
=19. Jesse Southwell — Australia 🇦🇺 — 92/100
=19. Keeley Nizza — Australia 🇦🇺 — 92/100
=19. Zahara Temara — New Zealand 🇳🇿 — 92/100
=22. Talei Holmes — Fiji 🇫🇯 — 91/100
=22. Fran Goldthorp — England 🏴 — 91/100
=22. Jaime Chapman — Australia 🇦🇺 — 91/100
=22. Shaylee Bent — Australia 🇦🇺 — 91/100
=22. Jasmin Strange — England 🏴 — 91/100
A Note on Tied Rankings
Players receiving the same EXCEL Sports rating are considered tied. We have not artificially separated players who produced the same overall score simply to create a numerical order.
Because the 91-point tie extends beyond position 25, all players sharing that score have been included.
Every Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 Player Ranked — Nation by Nation
The Top 25 identifies the highest-rated players entering the tournament, but a World Cup is about far more than its biggest names.
Below, EXCEL Sports breaks down the complete 23-player squad for every nation, allowing players, families, teammates and supporters to see how each athlete rated within our pre-tournament model.
We begin with the tournament's No.1-ranked nation.
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 91.2/100
1. Tamika Upton — 100
2. Olivia Kernick — 98
3. Isabelle Kelly — 96
=3. Julia Robinson — 96
5. Jessica Sergis — 95
6. Tarryn Aiken — 94
7. Sarah Togatuki — 93
=8. Keeley Nizza — 92
=8. Jesse Southwell — 92
=10. Shaylee Bent — 91
=10. Jaime Chapman — 91
12. Simaima Taufa — 90
13. Ellie Johnston — 89
=14. Abbi Church — 88
=14. Quincy Dodd — 88
=14. Tiana Penitani Gray — 88
=17. Olivia Higgins — 86
=17. Millie Elliott — 86
19. Jocelyn Kelleher — 85
20. Kezie Apps — 84
=21. Makenzie Weale — 79
=21. Sariah Paki — 79
23. Keilee Joseph — 77
Australia's strength isn't simply its stars at the top. With 16 players rated 88 or higher, the Jillaroos possess the deepest squad in the EXCEL Sports pre-tournament model.
🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 90.2/100
1. Raecene McGregor — 99
2. Alexis Tauaneai — 96
=3. Georgia Hale — 95
=3. Apii Nicholls — 95
5. Stacey Waaka — 94
=6. Shannon Mato — 93
=6. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa — 93
8. Zahara Temara — 92
9. Tenika Willison — 91
10. Shaniece Monschau — 90
=11. Annessa Biddle — 89
=11. Otesa Pule — 89
=11. Leianne Tufuga — 89
14. Mele Hufanga — 88
15. Abigail Roache — 88
16. Shanice Parker — 86
17. Brianna Clark — 84
18. Ashleigh Quinlan — 83
19. Ivana Lauitiiti — 82
20. Kaiyah Atai — 81
=21. Chantay Kiria-Ratu — 79
=21. Brooke Anderson — 79
23. Trinity Tauaneai — 74
New Zealand's biggest strength is the quality running throughout its entire squad. All 23 selected Kiwi Ferns are attached to NRLW clubs, giving New Zealand one of the strongest high-performance playing environments of any nation at the tournament.
For EXCEL Sports, there is also significant representation within this squad. Alexis Tauaneai (96), Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (93), Shaniece Monschau (90) and Trinity Tauaneai (74) will all represent New Zealand, with Trinity entering the tournament with the opportunity to make her international debut.
With New Zealand scoring 90.2 compared with Australia's 91.2, the Kiwi Ferns sit just one point behind the Jillaroos in our pre-tournament model.
🇬🇧 ENGLAND — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 85.4/100
1. Georgia Roche — 95
2. Hollie-Mae Dodd — 93
=3. Fran Goldthorp — 91
=3. Jasmin Strange — 91
5. Jenna Foubister — 90
6. Eva Hunter — 89
7. Megan Williams — 87
8. Liv Wood — 86
9. Jodie Cunningham — 86
10. Georgia Wilson — 85
England enters the tournament as the No.3-ranked nation in the EXCEL Sports model, sitting on 85.4/100.
Their biggest strength is the quality at the top of the squad, led by Georgia Roche (95) and Hollie-Mae Dodd (93), with Fran Goldthorp and Jasmin Strange both entering the tournament on 91.
England's challenge will be turning that individual quality into consistency across the full 23-player squad. Their biggest Group A test could come against Samoa, who sit only 1.3 points behind England in our overall team ratings.
EXCEL Sports prediction: England finishes second in Group A and qualifies for the World Cup semi-finals.
🇼🇸 SAMOA — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 84.1/100
1. Evania Isa’ako — 98
2. Annetta Nu’uausala — 90
=3. Mary-Jane Taito — 88
=3. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale — 88
=3. Jetaya Faifua — 88
6. Christian Pio — 87
=7. Laikha Clarke — 86
=7. Tavarna Papalii — 86
=7. Monica Tagoai — 86
10. Leilani Wilson — 85
11. Tyra Ekepati — 84
12. Sarina Masaga — 83
Samoa enters the World Cup as the No.4-ranked nation in the EXCEL Sports model, but the numbers show just how dangerous this team could be.
Led by Evania Isa’ako with an outstanding 98/100 rating, Samoa has genuine quality across its squad and sits only 1.3 points behind England in our overall team rankings.
For EXCEL Sports, this World Cup is particularly special. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (88) returns to proudly represent Samoa, while Mary-Jane Taito (88) has earned her opportunity to make her international debut on the World Cup stage.
EXCEL Sports prediction: Samoa finishes third in Group A — but England versus Samoa could be one of the defining matches of the group stage.
🇫🇯 FIJI — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 81.5/100
1. Taina Naividi — 93
2. Talei Holmes — 91
=3. Cassie Staples — 88
=3. Maria Paseka — 88
5. Sereana Naitokatoka — 87
6. Latisha Smythe — 86
=7. Losana Lutu — 83
=7. Isabella Waterman — 83
=9. Sienna Laing — 81
=9. Tamika Jones — 81
=9. Teaghan Hartigan — 81
12. Luisa Yaranamua — 79
Fiji enters the tournament as the No.5-ranked nation in the EXCEL Sports model, and the Bulikula could be one of the most dangerous teams outside the traditional World Cup heavyweights.
At the top sits Taina Naividi with an impressive 93/100, while Talei Holmes (91) gives Fiji another player inside our elite World Cup rankings.
Fiji's combination of NRLW experience, athleticism and emerging talent gives them a genuine opportunity to challenge for a semi-final position.
EXCEL Sports prediction: Fiji finishes second in Group B and qualifies for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
🏴 WALES — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 78.2/100
1. Bethan Dainton — 90
2. Dani McGifford — 89
=3. Carys Marsh — 87
=3. Agnes Wood — 87
5. Tayla Preston — 86
6. Paige Travis — 85
7. Siân Williams — 83
=8. Georgia Cussons — 79
=8. Gracie Hobbs — 79
10. Ffion Lewis — 76
Wales enters the tournament as the No.6-ranked nation in the EXCEL Sports model, with several players capable of making an impact against higher-ranked opposition.
Leading the Welsh rankings is Bethan Dainton at 90/100, closely followed by Dani McGifford (89). Carys Marsh and Agnes Wood both rate strongly at 87, giving Wales quality at the top of its squad.
The challenge for Wales will be competing consistently across 80 minutes against the greater depth of Australia, England and Samoa in a difficult Group A.
EXCEL Sports prediction: Wales finishes fourth in Group A, but they have enough individual quality to make their opponents work for every result.
🇵🇬 PAPUA NEW GUINEA — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 75.0/100
1. Elsie Albert — 88
2. Essay Banu — 87
3. Fleur Ginn — 84
4. Emily Veivers — 82
5. Ua Ravu — 78
=6. India Seeto — 77
=6. Anika Butler — 77
=6. Gemma Schnaubelt — 77
=9. Therese Aiton — 76
=9. Relna Wuruki-Hosea — 76
Papua New Guinea enters the tournament as the No.7-ranked nation in the EXCEL Sports model, but that ranking should not be mistaken for a lack of danger.
The Orchids are led by Elsie Albert at 88/100, with Essay Banu (87) and Fleur Ginn (84) providing further quality at the top of the squad.
PNG's physicality, passion and growing exposure to elite Australian competitions make them a team capable of disrupting Group B. Their crucial match against Fiji could determine whether they remain in the hunt for a semi-final position.
EXCEL Sports prediction: PNG finishes third in Group B — but Fiji versus PNG shapes as one of the most important matches of the group stage.
🇫🇷 FRANCE — EXCEL TEAM RATING: 71.2/100
1. Lisa Diraison — 75
2. Perrine Monsarrat — 74
=2. Perle Ramazeilles — 74
=2. Salomé Ségala — 74
=5. Leïla Bessahli — 73
=5. Haoua Kessely — 73
=5. Mélissa Medina — 73
=5. Justine Roses — 73
=5. Manon Samarra — 73
=5. Noémie Samuel — 73
France enters the tournament as the No.8-ranked nation in the EXCEL Sports model, but the World Cup represents an important opportunity for the French women’s game to test itself against some of the strongest players in the world.
Lisa Diraison leads the French rankings at 75/100, followed closely by Perrine Monsarrat, Perle Ramazeilles and Salomé Ségala at 74.
France faces an enormous challenge in Group B against New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, but World Cups are also about development, exposure and establishing where a nation sits against international opposition.
EXCEL Sports prediction: France finishes fourth in Group B, with every match providing an important benchmark for the continued development of women’s rugby league in France.
EXCEL SPORTS PLAYERS AT THE 2026 WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP
For EXCEL Sports Management, the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup is particularly special.
Across New Zealand and Samoa, six EXCEL Sports athletes have been selected to represent their countries on the biggest international stage in women’s rugby league.
🇳🇿 Alexis Tauaneai — New Zealand — 96/100
🇳🇿 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa — New Zealand — 93/100
🇳🇿 Shaniece Monschau — New Zealand — 90/100
🇳🇿 Trinity Tauaneai — New Zealand — 74/100
🇼🇸 Mary-Jane Taito — Samoa — 88/100
🇼🇸 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale — Samoa — 88/100
For Trinity Tauaneai and Mary-Jane Taito, this tournament also carries the possibility of a special milestone — making their international debuts for their respective nations.
From established internationals to players receiving their first opportunity on the world stage, each journey has been different. But every selection represents years of sacrifice, development, resilience and commitment from the player and the family behind them.
We are incredibly proud to see six EXCEL Sports athletes wearing their national colours at the 2026 World Cup.
For transparency, EXCEL Sports representation has no influence on our player-ranking formula. Every player in the tournament is assessed under the same scoring system.
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