Tonga and Samoa are on course to meet in the rugby league World Cup final after reaching the knockout stage of the tournament. Tonga will face New Zealand after winning all three of their group matches, while Samoa will play Australia in a repeat of the 2022 final.
Tonga’s unbeaten group-stage record has secured a semi-final against New Zealand. Their opponents represent a major challenge as the sides compete for a place in the final.
The other semi-final will see Samoa face Australia, recreating the fixture from the 2022 final. Samoa’s meeting with the reigning finalists gives them the opportunity to reach another World Cup decider.
If Tonga defeat New Zealand and Samoa overcome Australia, the tournament will produce a final between the two Pacific nations. That possibility would create a meeting between sides who have both progressed to the last four, although the final line-up will depend on the results of the semi-finals.
The next stage will determine whether the anticipated Tonga-Samoa final takes place or whether New Zealand and Australia advance instead.
