Australia vs Samoa is the second semi-final of the Rugby League World Cup 2026, at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, on Sunday 8 November at 8:05 PM AEDT. This preview covers how both teams got here and their history at World Cups.
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How Australia got here
The defending champions won all three Pool A matches: 24–22 against New Zealand, 36–22 against Fiji and 66–6 against the Cook Islands. Australia have won the tournament 12 times.
How Samoa got here
Samoa scored 142 points in their first two games, beating France 78–4 and Papua New Guinea 64–6. They then lost 18–20 to Tonga but finished second in the combined Pool B and C table.
Australia vs Samoa head-to-head
The last World Cup meeting was the 2021 final, played in England in 2022, when Australia won 30–10. This semi-final is the rematch.
Team news
Team lists are not confirmed in this article. We will update it once the official sides are named.
What happens next
The winner reaches the Rugby League World Cup final and plays New Zealand or Tonga. A match level after 80 minutes goes to extra time, then golden point. The final is on 15 November at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
More on Australia vs Samoa
Frequently asked questions
When is Australia vs Samoa?
Sunday 8 November, 8:05 PM AEDT, at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
How did Australia qualify?
Australia won Pool A with three wins from three: 24–22 against New Zealand, 36–22 against Fiji and 66–6 against the Cook Islands.
How did Samoa qualify?
Samoa beat France 78–4 and Papua New Guinea 64–6, then lost 18–20 to Tonga and finished second in the combined Pool B and C table.
Are the Australia vs Samoa team lists out?
Not on this page yet. We add team lists once the official sides are confirmed.