Lebanon's 2026 Rugby League World Cup could be its last
Lebanon's World Cup future is in doubt after the IRL downgraded it to affiliate status in 2024.
Lebanon qualified automatically for this year's World Cup by reaching the 2022 quarter-finals. The International Rugby League's 2024 downgrade means only full members can compete at World Cups.
Full membership requires meeting benchmarks for domestic participation across men's, women's and youth rugby league. IRL chair Troy Grant said Lebanon faces a very difficult environment due to the Middle East conflict.
Lebanon has played just one test match since 2022 and has no players from its own domestic competition. Grant said the IRL is working with Lebanon individually to help them maintain membership status.
- 2024
- Year downgraded
- 2022 quarter-finals
- Previous qualification
- One
- Test matches since 2022
- Troy Grant
- IRL chair
Why it mattersLebanon may be unable to compete at future World Cups unless their domestic league recovers, potentially ending decades of international participation.
AustraliaLebanon play France at CommBank Stadium on Sunday in what could be their last World Cup match. The Cedars rely heavily on players from the Lebanese diaspora in Australia.
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