England stunned by Tonga in World Cup opener

England 's men fall to defeat in the Rugby League World Cup opener as Tonga take their chances in Perth. Tonga had lost their previous six meetings with England before triumphing here Four years ago, England were left shocked and shattered by Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. Now in 2026, Tonga – another Pacific island nation – have done the same with a victory to put England's Australian campaign in immediate jeopardy. Tonga combined classy attacking play with staunch defence, mixed with a pinch of luck – while being cheered on by a ferociously partisan crowd in Perth – to cause a major upset. It was expected that Brian McDermott's team – ranked third in the world – would have enough to open their Group B-C campaign with victory over opponents ranked fifth.

But they will now have to pick themselves up for coming group games against France and Papua New Guinea to try to secure a top-two finish in the combined six-team group table and secure a semi-final spot. England's day came apart amid seemingly endless mistakes, wastefulness and a few dodgy refereeing decisions. Arguably the turning point came on 22 minutes, when England got to within a few yards of the opposition line but Victor Radley knocked on after an absolute boneshaker from Tonga captain