As the Rugby League World Cup approaches, fans can expect a unique experience compared to the recent football World Cup. Gianni Infantino likened the football event to 104 Super Bowls, while the Rugby League will resemble 18 Super League games. Ticket prices are significantly more affordable, starting at just £20, making it accessible for many fans.

The tournament, hosted in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, features three concurrent events: men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions. Notably, the men’s tournament has been reduced from 16 teams to 10, resulting in only 18 matches instead of the previous 31.

Key details include:

• Opening Match: Australia vs. New Zealand on 15 October in Sydney.
• Final: Scheduled for 15 November in Brisbane.

Travel logistics for teams differ greatly from the football World Cup. Most squads will set up camp for group stages, with England playing their first two matches in Perth before moving to Wollongong. Some teams, like the Cook Islands, face a daunting travel schedule, covering over 3,500 miles.

For England, success means reaching the semi-finals, a feat they have consistently achieved in past tournaments. Their opening match against Tonga is crucial, as they aim to face either Australia or New Zealand in the next round.

The tournament will also highlight the role of heritage players, with teams like Lebanon fielding players primarily from overseas due to local conflicts. The diversity in squads promises an exciting competition, though the absence of smaller nations may diminish some of the romantic narratives seen in past tournaments.

Fans will have various viewing options, with broadcasts planned for 20 countries across different regions. Although kickoff times cater to a home audience, the event may not capture the same level of attention as the football World Cup.