Friday 2 October 2026
- Sydney Airport named as an Official Partner of Rugby League World Cup 2026.
- Thousands of players, officials and fans expected to travel through Sydney Airport during the tournament.
- Images available here for media use here
Sydney Airport has been named an official partner of the Rugby League World Cup 2026, supporting one of the largest international sporting events to be held in Australia this year.
The tournament begins Thursday, 15 October when the Kangaroos meet the Kiwis and is expected to bring thousands of players, officials and fans to Australia, with Sydney Airport welcoming many of them as they arrive in Sydney and travel across the country.
There are 16 Men’s and Women’s World Cup matches played in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, which will also host the Wheelchair World Cup in its entirety from October 30 to November 13.
To celebrate the partnership, Sydney Airport's T1 International forecourt will be transformed ahead of the opening match, featuring a giant Rugby League World Cup football alongside a specially wrapped SYD sign showcasing all teams competing in the tournament.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: "We are proud to support our city in attracting major international events and in bringing visitors to Sydney to support jobs, tourism and economic activity across NSW.
"As Australia's busiest international airport, Sydney Airport will be the first welcome for many of the teams, officials and supporters travelling to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup.
"We’re proud to help welcome the world's best rugby league players and fans as the tournament gets underway."
Passengers travelling through the airport will have opportunities to win tickets, see teams arrive and experience Rugby League World Cup activities across the terminals throughout the tournament.
Notes
- The Rugby League World Cup 2026 will be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from 15 October to 15 November 2026.
- Sydney will host the men’s opening match between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on 15 October, along with pool matches and a semi-final.
- A giant Rugby League World Cup football will be displayed in Sydney Airport's T1 International forecourt ahead of the first match featuring a Unity Pattern incorporating three cultural symbols from each of the tournament's host nations: Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.