England are World Champions again!

England Wheelchair have successfully defended their World Cup title after defeating France 50-38 in the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final.

The victory marks a historic milestone for the side, as they become the first nation to win the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup three times and the first England team to secure back-to-back titles.

England made a dream start to the final, with Joe Coyd slicing through the French defence to open the scoring before racing down the pitch to grab his second try inside the opening ten minutes.

France responded through Jeremy Bourson, who crossed in the corner, before Leo Hivernat added the conversion to bring his side back into contention at 10-6, following England's missed initial conversion.

The momentum soon shifted in France's favour. Hivernat crossed next to level the scores at 10-10, before Damien Dore put the French ahead as they completed an impressive comeback from a 10-point deficit to lead 10-16.

France continued to build their advantage when Florian Guttadoro crossed for another try, with the successful conversion extending their lead to 10-22.

England were determined to respond and came close through a dangerous attacking move, as Jack Brown launched the ball down field for Hawkins, while Nathan Collins also threatened to get over the line. However, the French defence stood firm to deny them.

The defending champions eventually found their way back onto the scoresheet when Coyd powered through the French defensive line to claim his hat-trick, with Collins adding the conversion to cut the deficit to six points.

With half-time approaching, Hawkins brought the scores level before sending the ball downfield for Jack Brown, who produced a superb finish, grounding the ball just before it went out of play to hand England a narrow 28-22 lead heading into the break.

France came out firing after the restart and made an immediate impact, crossing through Dany Denuwelaere just a minute into the second half. However, Hawkins soon responded to put England back in front.

It was a battle of the defences for the next 10 minutes, with both sides holding strong to prevent their opponent from crossing, until Coyd broke the deadlock.

Brown headed over twice to put the game firmly in England’s favour, taking it to 50-34 with just under ten minutes to go.

England’s defensive resilience continued to keep France at bay, before the visitors managed a late try with just 90 seconds on the clock. However, it proved to be little more than a consolation, as England held on to secure the victory.

After an outstanding performance on the occasion, Coyd was deservedly named Player of the Match, finishing with a huge four tries.

Half-time: 28-22

Full-time: 50-38

England:

Tries: Coyd x4, Hawkins x2, Brown x3

Goals: Hawkins, Collins x6

France:

Tries: Bourson, Hivernat, Dore, Guttadoro, Denuwelaere x3

Goals: Hivernat x3, Clausells x2