The 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final will be shown live on BBC iPlayer, as England look to defend their crown against France.

It’s undoubtedly the biggest rivalry in the wheelchair game, as once again the two best nations go head-to-head for World Cup glory. It’s a repeat of the past four Finals, with the last one coming in 2022 when England took victory in London with a 28-24 win.

The match, which will take place on Friday 13th November at 8:45am UK time, was originally only due to be broadcast on Premier Sports, but with England making the big dance, the BBC have stepped in to provide extra coverage.

After landing rights to air the wheelchair final, Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “Sport is at its very best when it gives audiences moments they can share, and an England team playing in a World Cup final is exactly that.

“Bringing audiences the biggest homegrown sporting moments is at the heart of BBC Sport, and we’re proud to bring rugby fans England’s final with France for the world title on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.”

BBC Radio 5 Live will have coverage of the men’s and women’s World Cup Finals, though no live stream will be available. To watch those games, a Premier Sports subscription is required.

The free-to-air service received backlash from fans for failing to pick up rights for the tournament in what was their first time not showing a Rugby League World Cup in over half a century.

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