# How to Watch England vs Tonga Rugby League World Cup 2026 Access free live streams and global broadcast options for the tournament opener in Perth. - **Source:** [Latest from TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/feeds.xml) - **Published:** 2026-10-17 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/44255c38-ead9-47a8-b622-8bb560473b6b ## Tournament Opener Context The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off at HBF Park in Perth, Australia. England faces Tonga in a high-stakes group stage match. England enters the tournament under new head coach Brian McDermott, aiming to secure their first-ever title after finishing as runners-up three times in their seven previous campaign appearances. ## England Squad Selection Coach Brian McDermott has implemented significant roster changes for this opening clash. Mikey Lewis has been excluded from the squad, while Harry Smith takes the half-back position. Notably, Jack Welsby starts on the bench, AJ Brimson is positioned at full-back, and Zach Eckersley is set to make his international debut for the team. ## Tonga's Competitive Ambition Tonga enters the match ranked fifth globally, seeking their first victory over England after six previous losses. They remain motivated by their narrow 20-18 defeat in the 2017 semi-finals. The squad features experienced players like Isaiya Katoa and Tyson Frizell, who brings unique international experience having previously represented both Wales and Australia. ## Global Streaming Access Viewers in Australia can watch the match for free via the Seven Network and 7Plus platform. International fans traveling abroad can utilize VPN services like NordVPN to access their home country's streaming services. This method allows users to bypass regional restrictions and view content as if they were physically located at home. ## North American Broadcast Details In the United States and Canada, Premier Sports holds the broadcast rights for the tournament. A full tournament pass is available in the US for $25. Canadian viewers can choose between monthly or long-term subscription plans, with options ranging from CA$29.99 per month to a CA$139.99 annual pass for comprehensive tournament coverage. ## UK and New Zealand Coverage UK fans can access the match through Premier Sports 1, available via monthly rolling contracts or integrated into existing Sky TV and Virgin Media plans. New Zealand viewers can watch via Sky Sport NZ, with access available through satellite television or the Sky Sport Now streaming service, starting at NZ$29.99 per day. ## Tournament Format Adjustments The 2026 tournament features a modified structure where teams from Group B face opponents from Group C. Following this opening match, England is scheduled to play France and Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, Tonga will proceed to face Lebanon and Samoa as they navigate the group stage of this international rugby league competition. ## Strategic Viewing Implications The availability of free-to-air streams in Australia highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. Fans must navigate various regional rights holders, such as Premier Sports and Sky Sport, to ensure access. Utilizing secure VPN connections remains a primary technical solution for expatriates and travelers to maintain consistent access to their domestic sports coverage. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.techradar.com/how-to-watch/rugby/england-vs-tonga-rugby-league-world-cup-2026-free — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._