Tonga vs England
In short
Tonga defeated England 30-12 in their opening match of the tournament.
The teams
The match was played between the England men's rugby league team and the Tonga men's rugby league team. Tonga entered the match ranked world number five.
When and where
Saturday 17 October 2026 in Perth.
What is at stake
This was an opening match of the Rugby League World Cup. The result leaves England's hopes of reaching the semi-finals in serious jeopardy.
Easy to mix up
The tournament also features a women's match between England and Wales on the same day.
Sources
- England's Rugby League World Cup campaign in immediate jeopardy after opening loss to Tonga
- Rugby League World Cup 2026 LIVE! Updates from England men vs Tonga and women vs Wales in opening games of the tournament
- Tonga crush England in World Cup game of death
- England stunned as Tonga tonking leaves Rugby League World Cup hopes in shreds