Australia Names Kangaroos Squad for Home Rugby League World Cup

Australia has named its squad for a home World Cup, and the Kangaroos mean business. The Australian Rugby League Commission confirmed a 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup on Sunday, with Isaah Yeo named captain and Kevin Walters at the helm as head coach.

The squad blends proven champions with fresh blood: six potential debutants have been included, signaling both confidence in the next generation and a determination to keep the squad evolving.

Yeo's appointment as captain is a nod to his leadership and consistency at the highest level. Leading Australia at a home World Cup is one of the great honors in rugby league, and the pressure will be immense with the nation expecting nothing less than glory.

Walters, meanwhile, faces the ultimate test of his coaching career. Managing expectations, egos, and the weight of a home tournament will require every ounce of his experience.

Australia's path through the tournament has also been mapped out: the Kangaroos will face the Kiwis in Sydney, Fiji in Brisbane, and the Cook Islands in Townsville. The Sydney showdown with New Zealand looms as the marquee fixture — a rivalry that never disappoints.

On home soil, with a passionate fanbase behind them, Australia will be the team to beat. Anything less than lifting the trophy will be considered a failure. The countdown is officially on.