England Eliminated from Rugby League World Cup as Tonga Edge Samoa 20-18 in Thriller

Sky Sports · 2026-11-01
England Eliminated from Rugby League World Cup as Tonga Edge Samoa 20-18 in Thriller

England's Rugby League World Cup campaign is over after Tonga secured a nail-biting 20-18 victory over Samoa in the final group match. The result confirms England's elimination from the tournament, leaving fans and pundits stunned. Tonga's win, built on a powerful forward display and clinical finishing, means they progress to the knockout stages alongside Samoa, who also advance despite the loss. The match was a tense affair, with momentum swinging both ways until the final whistle. For England, it is a bitter disappointment after high hopes of challenging for the title on home soil. The outcome reshapes the tournament bracket, with Tonga now emerging as a dangerous contender. As the World Cup moves forward, all eyes will be on whether Tonga can carry this momentum into the quarter-finals and beyond.