How to Watch England vs. Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup has officially kicked off, and one of the tournament's most anticipated matches is imminent. England and Tonga are set to face off at HBF Park in Perth, Western Australia, on October 17 at 17:05 local time. England, led by new head coach Brian McDermott, is aiming for historic success. Despite being regular finalists in the past, the team has yet to secure a world championship title. McDermott has already made several difficult personnel decisions, including dropping Mikey Lewis from the squad in favour of Harry Smith. Tonga, currently ranked fifth in the world, remains a formidable force. With experienced players such as Tyson Frizell and Isaiya Katoa, the team is eager to prove they can defeat England—a feat they have never achieved before.
Where to watch the match live
Viewing options for fans depend on their geographical location. For those in Australia, the match is available to watch for free via the Seven Network and the 7Plus streaming platform. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the match is broadcast by Premier Sports, where viewers can purchase a full tournament package. In New Zealand, the game is available on Sky Sport platforms.
The role of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Many fans who are travelling or located in countries where official broadcasts are restricted use VPN services. This technology allows users to connect their internet connection to a server in a country where the desired channel is available for free or at an affordable price. For example, to access Australian 7Plus services, users can virtually "relocate" to Australia via a VPN, enabling them to watch the match live.
What to know about the tournament
This year's World Cup features a unique format where teams from Group B and Group C compete against one another. Following their match against Tonga, England will face France and Papua New Guinea, while Tonga is set to play Lebanon and Samoa. While the history of head-to-head meetings shows a clear advantage for England, their tense 2017 World Cup semifinal—which England won by a narrow 20-18 margin—proves that Tonga is capable of putting up a serious fight. Fans can also follow the tournament's official social media channels for real-time updates on match details and results.