USA Wheel Hawks qualify for 2026 Wheelchair World Cup

The USA Wheel Hawks have secured their place among the elite, qualifying for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia next year. This achievement marks their second consecutive appearance on the global stage, following their debut in the 2022 tournament held in England.

The Wheel Hawks will proudly represent the Americas at RLWC2026, joining powerhouse nations Australia, New Zealand, England, France, and Wales. Two additional qualifiers will complete the eight-team lineup vying for the coveted world title.

USARL Chair Matt Goschnick lauded the team’s dedication and the significance of their qualification.

“Competing in any World Cup is a privilege, especially with limited places on offer. The USARL Wheel Hawks’ qualification for back-to-back World Cups is a proud achievement reflecting the dedication of our players, coaches, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to establish and grow this program,” he stated. “As the sole US representative in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup programme, their resilience and commitment deserve full recognition.”

Beyond the thrill of competition, Goschnick highlighted the broader impact of their participation.

“This opportunity goes far beyond the sport. We hope to leverage our participation in the World Cup not only to raise awareness and grow the game, but to build an inclusive community that creates new fans, inspires new players, and supports our patriotic veteran population—over 5.5 million of whom live with service-connected disabilities. Through Wheelchair Rugby League, we hope to aid reintegration, restore confidence, and open doors to new opportunities.”

He further emphasized the team’s overarching mission: “Our mission is not just to compete at the highest level, but to create lasting impact, empower individuals, and expand the reach of this incredible sport across the United States.”

Echoing this sentiment, USARL Wheel Hawks coach Geoff Mason expressed the team’s eagerness for the upcoming tournament.

“The USARL Wheel Hawks proudly welcome the invitation to compete in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia. We’re eager to build on the momentum from our debut at the 2021 World Cup, where Team USA made an immediate impact—defeating Scotland 62-41 in our opening match and delivering a competitive performance against a highly ranked Wales side, falling just short at 32-50.”

Looking ahead, Coach Mason sees this as another pivotal moment for the sport in the United States. “This next opportunity represents another significant step forward in our journey. We are honoured to carry the US flag on the world stage and showcase the strength, growth, and potential of our team and program. The potential for wheelchair rugby league in the United States is enormous, and we’re confident this is only the beginning. Our goal is to continue raising the profile of the sport, expand our talent base, and inspire the next generation of athletes across the country.”

The 2026 Wheelchair World Cup will mark the fifth edition of the tournament. Australia hosted the inaugural event in 2008, followed by England in 2013 and 2022 (originally scheduled for 2021), and France in 2017.

The USA Wheel Hawks are one of ten currently ranked Wheelchair Rugby League nations and one of eleven that have taken part in the previous Rugby League World Cups.