The Nations Cup 2026 marks the launch of a brand-new global rugby tournament featuring the world’s top national teams. This inaugural edition will bring together the Six Nations sides, the four Rugby Championship teams, along with Japan and Fiji. This landmark competition will take place across multiple continents in July and November 2026.
Organised by World Rugby, the event aims to revitalise the international summer and autumn windows. Each team will face six opponents from the opposite pool. The July fixtures will be hosted in the southern hemisphere, while the November matches will be played in Europe. The top-ranked teams from each group will meet in a grand final to decide the winner.
The Nations Cup is set to become a key fixture in the international rugby calendar, with elite-level matchups on display. Clashes between France, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa promise thrilling encounters. For fans, it’s a rare chance to witness world-class teams face off in high-stakes matches that could shape the global rankings.
Tickets for Nations Cup 2026 will be in extremely high demand. Seats will be limited for many headline fixtures. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the schedule, ticket prices, and how to book your place safely for this major event in international rugby.
Nations Cup 2026 Rugby: Match Fixtures
The Nations Cup 2026 signals a new era for international rugby. This groundbreaking competition will unite the world’s twelve top-ranked national teams.
Held every summer and autumn, the Nations Cup will feature Northern Hemisphere sides facing Southern Hemisphere teams in a bold and exciting format.
The summer phase will take place in July 2026, with European nations travelling south to face three opponents from the Rugby Championship and beyond.
In the autumn, reverse fixtures will be held in Europe. Each nation will play all six teams from the opposite pool, ensuring high-level matchups throughout the tournament.
The format guarantees six matches per team, followed by a grand final between the top-ranked nations from each pool. The stakes will be high from the very first edition.
Estimated Schedule – Summer 2026
The official match schedule will be announced soon. Below is a projected outline based on the competition format released by World Rugby:
| Fixture | Location | Estimated Date |
|---|---|---|
| France vs New Zealand | Auckland | July 2026 |
| England vs Australia | Sydney | July 2026 |
| Ireland vs South Africa | Cape Town | July 2026 |
Estimated Schedule – Autumn 2026
The return fixtures will take place across Europe in autumn. Each nation will face the opponents they did not encounter in the summer phase.
| Fixture | City | Estimated Date |
|---|---|---|
| France vs Argentina | Paris | November 2026 |
| Scotland vs Japan | Edinburgh | November 2026 |
| Italy vs Fiji | Rome | November 2026 |
Nations Cup 2026 Rugby Tickets
The Nations Cup 2026 is set to become one of the key events on the international rugby calendar. With elite teams such as France, New Zealand, South Africa and England participating, ticket demand will be exceptionally high. Every match will feature a world-class clash in packed stadiums, particularly in Paris, London, Dublin and Rome. The most prestigious fixtures will sell out rapidly, often within hours of release.
Tickets will be sold in several phases, with pricing varying by category and fixture. Prime seats, especially in lateral stands at iconic venues, will be snapped up quickly. Matches between European sides and Rugby Championship nations are expected to attract millions of fans worldwide. To avoid missing out, it’s crucial to act fast as soon as ticket sales go live.
Sign up now for our free Nations Cup 2026 ticket alert. You’ll be the first to receive key information: on-sale dates, direct links, pricing guidance, and purchasing tips. Don’t miss your chance to attend world-class rugby clashes featuring the top national teams.
Nations Cup 2026 Rugby Ticket Prices
Nations Cup 2026 ticket prices will depend on the match, venue, and seating category. Games involving top-ranked teams like France, New Zealand, South Africa or England will command higher prices, particularly in major European cities.
Prices are expected to start from €25 to €40 for upper-tier sections, with premium sideline seats and VIP hospitality reaching several hundred euros. Matches in Paris, London, Dublin and Rome will see the highest price ranges. Tickets will be released in waves, with dynamic pricing likely as demand increases.
Here’s an estimated price range by category and fixture type:
| Category | Standard Match | Premium Match (e.g. France vs NZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Category 4 (upper corners) | €25 – €45 | €40 – €65 |
| Category 3 (upper stands) | €50 – €75 | €70 – €110 |
| Category 2 (sidelines) | €80 – €120 | €110 – €180 |
| Category 1 (front rows) | €140 – €200 | €180 – €280 |
| VIP / Hospitality | €250 – €500 | €400 – €900 |
Official prices will be confirmed by the organisers once ticket sales open. Register now for our free email alert to be notified as soon as tickets become available.
Nations Cup 2026: A New Era for International Rugby
The Nations Cup 2026 represents a major step forward in the global rugby calendar. For the first time ever, the world’s top twelve national teams will compete in a unified tournament, combining tradition with innovation.
This landmark event aims to boost the sport’s visibility while offering a clear, structured framework for fans. It ensures the top nations face each other regularly in a competitive format, culminating in a final between the best from each hemisphere.
With blockbuster matches across Europe and the Southern Hemisphere, the Nations Cup 2026 promises drama, intensity, and record-breaking attendances. It’s a must-see event for any rugby fan.