King Tupou VI will lead Tonga’s royal and political leadership in supporting the national rugby league team as it faces England in a key opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Perth.

The King, Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala and Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua are expected at HBF Park tonight, as Tonga seeks a result that could shape its path towards the semi-finals.

Tonga’s match against England is scheduled for 5.05pm Perth time, or 10.05pm in Tonga.

A major test for Tonga

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf welcomed the royal presence, saying it demonstrated the importance of the team to the country.

Woolf said the King had previously attended Tonga’s World Cup match against England in 2017 and a game in New Zealand in 2019.

The coach said Tonga had the squad to rank higher than its current fifth place in the world rankings, but the team’s performance would determine whether it could deliver on that potential.

England, ranked fourth in the world according to the supplied report, has won all six previous encounters between the sides, adding to the challenge facing Tonga.

Woolf said Tonga would need to be strong defensively while also challenging England with its attacking play.

The road to the semi-finals

Tonga’s campaign also includes pool matches against Lebanon and Samoa.

With qualification for the semi-finals at stake, a strong start against England would put Tonga in a better position heading into its remaining games.

For Tonga, the match is an opportunity to demonstrate its standing in international rugby league and build momentum in a tournament featuring the leading teams in the sport.

The royal visit adds significance to the occasion, but the result on the field will ultimately determine Tonga’s position in the competition.