13 October 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts gears up to welcome Rugby League World Cup 2026 teams and fans
Exclusive Accommodation Partner supporting the tournament across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
SYDNEY, Australia, 13 October 2026: With Rugby League World Cup 2026 kicking off in Sydney this Thursday, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, is preparing to welcome teams, officials and fans as Exclusive Accommodation Partner for the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments.
Bringing together 26 teams representing 14 nations, the Rugby League World Cup 2026 will see 53 matches played across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, attracting players and fans from around the world.
With hotels across tournament host cities in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, IHG's extensive regional estate places it at the heart of the action. As Exclusive Accommodation Partner, IHG will draw on the breadth of its hotel network and its experience supporting major international sporting events to help create memorable experiences for teams, officials and fans, both on and off the field.
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "With the Rugby League World Cup just days away, we're looking forward to welcoming teams and fans from around the world and playing our part in what promises to be a fantastic celebration of rugby league.
“Major sporting events have a unique ability to inspire travel, bring people together and create lasting memories, making Rugby League World Cup 2026 a natural fit for IHG.
"We're proud to be supporting a tournament of this scale across three countries, while showcasing the important role our hotels and colleagues play in delivering exceptional hospitality beyond the field.
"For our IHG One Rewards members, this partnership creates exciting opportunities to get closer to the action."
Rugby League World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday 15 October, with Australia taking on New Zealand in the opening match at Sydney's Allianz Stadium. Running until 15 November, the tournament will see matches played across nine host cities in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle, Wollongong, Gold Coast, Townsville, Christchurch and Port Moresby.
The Wheelchair Final will take place in Wollongong on 13 November, with the Tournament concluding with the Men’s and Women’s Finals at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on 15 November.
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For further information please contact:
Karena Noble
Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Australasia Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts
[email protected]
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IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
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