Arabic version: أستراليا وساموا تستعدان لنصف نهائي كأس العالم

According to The Guardian, Australia and Samoa will meet in the second semi-final of the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Kick-off is scheduled for 8.05pm local time, or 9.05am GMT, with the winner set to face New Zealand in next Sunday’s final. The stadium is sold out, with the vast majority of the crowd expected to support Samoa.

Australia have selected Reece Walsh at fullback ahead of James Tedesco, while Tom Dearden has won the starting halves berth over Sam Walker. Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray are fit enough for the bench, alongside Ethan Strange. Isaah Yeo will captain the Kangaroos, with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Tom Trbojevic also named in the starting side.

Samoa make one enforced change, with Ronald Volkman replacing the injured Chanel Harris-Tavita at five-eighth after Harris-Tavita pulled his hamstring while kicking for goal against Tonga. Jarome Luai captains a side that includes Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Junior Paulo and Jazz Tevaga. Samoa were narrowly beaten by Tonga last time out but will have a strong home-stadium following.

The match will be played in cold and windy conditions, with the temperature expected to be around 15C and a serious southerly forecast. Adam Gee will referee the contest. Australia have yet to find consistent form during the tournament, while Samoa possess power in the forwards and attacking quality out wide. New Zealand reached the final after beating Tonga, with Jahrome Hughes and Kalyn Ponga highlighted in that victory.