Rugby League World Cup final 2026: how to stream Australia vs New Zealand free

What is happening

Australia and New Zealand will contest the Rugby League World Cup 2026 final at Lang Park in Brisbane on Sunday, 15 November. According to What Hi-Fi?, the match starts at 6.35pm local time in Brisbane, which is 8.35am in the UK and 3.35am on the US east coast.

The final is a rematch of the tournament opener, which New Zealand won. What Hi-Fi? reports that Australia then beat New Zealand 24-22 in a later meeting, taking advantage of two interceptions and an arm injury to Kiwi fullback Kalyn Ponga.

How the teams arrive at the final

Australia looked unconvincing for much of the tournament before a heavy semi-final win over Samoa. What Hi-Fi? notes that Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Pat Carrigan led a much-improved forward effort, while Reece Walsh scored a hat-trick of tries.

New Zealand has relied on a dominant forward pack featuring James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Naufahu Whyte. Ponga returned from a broken arm, which was fitted with a metal plate and 11 screws, and set up three tries against Tonga only 23 days after the injury. Stacey Jones named him in that side despite the concern it caused.

Where to watch for free

The final is free to watch in Australia and New Zealand, according to What Hi-Fi?. In Australia, the match airs on Seven and can be streamed on 7plus, which requires a free account registered with a name, birth year and Australian postcode.

Viewers who are abroad can use a VPN, a service that routes your internet connection through another country, to reach their usual free coverage. What Hi-Fi? highlights NordVPN as an option and notes it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Paid options in the UK and US

In the UK, Premier Sports is showing the final. A monthly subscription costs £18.99, or £150 for a year, and the channel can be added to existing Sky, Virgin Media or Prime Video subscriptions.

In the US, Premier Sports also holds the coverage, with a pass for the final priced at $20. Fans travelling in either country who normally watch free at home would need a VPN to access their usual stream.

Why this final matters

The two sides last met in a World Cup final 13 years ago, when Australia won, according to What Hi-Fi?. New Zealand's win in the tournament opener suggests the gap between the teams has narrowed.

Australia will also have strong crowd support at Lang Park in Brisbane. With Ponga fit again and Australia's forwards in form, the final shapes up as a close contest between the tournament's two best sides.