PACNEWS SPORTS,16 JULY 2026

In this bulletin:

1. FOOTBALL — Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Imagine the stardom’: Potter urges Nawaqanitawase to play for Bati
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs open talks with Lomax for NRL return
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs’ entry at right time: McCullough
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Mick Potter’s work permit approved as Fiji Bati step up World Cup preparations
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Academy pathways working
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Hunters to trial video ref system
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Eight is enough: Haas adamant Broncos have run out of excuses
9. FOOTBALL — Fiji maintain 100 percent record at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship
10. FOOTBALL — Papua New Guinea book semi-final spot at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship
11 RUGBY — ‘Against the odds’ Reds comfortable being written off ahead of Drua semi-final
12. RUGBY — RWC 2027 teams renew rivalries in third round of Nations Championship and Nations Cup
13. FOOTBALL — World Cup football’s other goal: Helping young people talk about mental health

USA – FOOTBALL: AP                                                                                             PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 June 2026

Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1

ATLANTA, 16 JULY 2026 (AP)—-Defending champion Argentina rallied to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and reach the World Cup final.

Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina.

Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Lionel Messi and company had other ideas.

Argentina pushed for an equaliser and the pressure eventually led to Fernandez scoring in the 85th minute. Martinez headed in the winner two minutes into injury time.

The game resumed one of the biggest rivalries in international soccer and there was a raucous atmosphere in the stadium even before kickoff as both sets of fans tried to drown out the other team’s national anthem.

Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey….PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL                  PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

‘Imagine the stardom’: Potter urges Nawaqanitawase to play for Bati

SYDNEY, 16 JULY 2026 (NRL)—Mark Nawaqanitawase would do more for rugby league and the World Cup if he played for Fiji instead of Australia, according to new Bati coach Mick Potter.

Asked if the Sydney Roosters flyer – who has been linked a short-term contract keeping him in rugby league for RLWC2026 – was in a 40-man squad submitted by coaches to the Fiji National Rugby League board, Potter said: “I’m pretty sure he would be – he’s not going to be number 41”.

Potter argued that the “floodgates” of popularity for league in Fiji would be thrown open with ‘Marky Mark’ on board for the tournament opener against Cook Islands on 18 Octobe.

“I think he’d be way better to play for Fiji, wouldn’t he?” said the 1991 Dally M winner. “It would be just amazing if he elected to jump in with Fiji.

“He qualifies for us. If he elects to play for Australia., that’s his call. He’s going to rugby union next year.”

The father of the flashy flanker, Sevuloni Nawaqanitawase, moved from Fiji to Sydney the same year Potter won the Dally M, to play for Balmain.

Potter continues: “But it would be just amazing if he played for Fiji. The players would be so overwhelmed with that and certainly the country would be as well.

“Can you imagine the stardom? It would be just awesome and the welcome he would get if he did it”.

“It would send it to another level if we went back to Fiji and he was there.

“The floodgates of rugby league would open up over there.”

Nawaqanitawase was a member of the victorious NSW State of Origin team and last year toured England with the Kangaroos for the Ashes series.

If he was to join Fiji at the World Cup Nawaqanitawase could play alongside the likes of Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, Sunia Turuva, Jahream Bula and Maika Sivo.

The Fainu brothers, Latu, Samuela and Sione, who play for Wests Tigers, are also seeking eligibility clearances to represent their Fijian heritage. 

The Bati will return to Fiji before the tournament but Potter will spend much more time there, saying his appointment – which runs until after the next World Cup – goes far beyond the senior men’s team.

“They just approached me and asked me if I’d apply,” he said.

“They want a holistic approach to rugby league, not just the Bati team. They want their kids playing sport. They want a holistic approach to having a healthy lifestyle across in Fiji – as well as being ambitious at the top end.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged…..PACNEWS

PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP                 PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

PNG Chiefs open talks with Lomax for NRL return

PORT MORESBY, 16 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Zac Lomax has emerged as the next major recruitment target for the PNG Chiefs, with the code-hopping winger holding talks to return to the sport where his career began.

On the books of Super Rugby’s Western Force until the end of 2027, Lomax has started negotiations with the Chiefs about returning to the NRL ahead of their inaugural season in 2028.

A goalkicking outside back who represented Australia and NSW during his league career, Lomax would add considerable star power to a maiden Chiefs roster that also contains Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson. 

Lomax was ruled out of the Wallabies’ July Tests due to injury but signing a deal to move to Papua New Guinea would not limit his ability to press his case for selection in Australia’s Rugby World Cup squad next year.

The 26-year-old will also bypass another lengthy legal process if he were to sign with the Chiefs for 2028.

Lomax is prohibited from making a return to the NRL until 01 November 2027 without the blessing of former employers Parramatta as a result of the court case rulings that stemmed from his Eels exit. 

The winger quit the Eels to pursue a move to Rugby 360 in 2025 and then when the start-up competition fell over, he attempted to sign a deal with the Melbourne Storm, which the Eels blocked. 

Lomax played 143 NRL games at St George Illawarra and Parramatta during his time in the NRL….PACNEWS

FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN               PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

Mick Potter’s work permit approved as Fiji Bati step up World Cup preparations

SUVA, 16 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The work permit of Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter has come through.

This was confirmed to SUNsports by Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) executive chairman Rajesh Singh.

“The visa approval is from World Cup to World Cup, and it’s a relief that it has come through,” he said.

“We’re expecting Potter to be coming in probably next week.”

The 62-year-old will be based in Suva and we’ll have four local coaches understudying him. Potter coached the Bati to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) where they beat New Zealand 4-2 in the quarterfinal before facing Australia in the semi-final. The RLWC, which is hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be from October 15- November 15

Singh recently returned from Australia where he met with Potter, players (men and women) playing in the NRL (National Rugby League on the NRLW) and the former Fiji Bati players.

He said Potter and Bati manager Luke Goodwin had been in touch with the players on their availability for the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC).

“I’ve been told that 40 players have declared their interest to play for the Bati. These players have been playing in the NRL, New South Wales Cup, Queensland Cup and the Super League in Europe.”

Singh highlighted that forward Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau are also available.

Other players expecting to join them are Sunia Turuva, Jahream Bula, Jethro Rinakama, Brandon Wakeham, Kurt Donoghoe and list goes on.

“Also, I had the opportunity of meeting the Fiji Bulikula (women) players where I assured them that they’ll get the same treatment as the men’s team. The Bulikula players are very committed to play in their first World Cup,” he said

“I visited rugby league clubs like Hornets and Jacks where we discussed about pathways for our local players. Also, the Fijian and Indo Fijian communities seeking for their support during the World Cup.”

The Bati is in Pool A where they face Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands. For the women’s competition, the Bulikula is in Pool B along with France, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea….PACNEWS

PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL                  PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

PNG Chiefs’ entry at right time: McCullough

PORT MORESBY, 16 JULY 2026 (NRL)–The PNG Chiefs’ entry into the National Rugby League in 2028 comes at the right time, with the next major step in building the club set to begin when the player market officially opens in November, says NRL player Andrew McCullough.

“I think the timing is right,” McCullough, who visited the country last week, told The National.

“When 01 November comes around, everything will speed up.”

The 36-year-old, who is the skills coach for the Brisbane Broncos Academy, said there was enough time for the Chiefs to prepare before their NRL debut.

McCullough, who played 309 NRL games at three clubs from 2008 to 2022, said he expected the biggest movement of players to begin from Nov 1, this year and in the next window in 12 months, when NRL players coming off contract are allowed to negotiate with other clubs.

He believes the opening of the transfer window will be one of the busiest periods the NRL has ever seen, with clubs, including the Perth Bears, competing to sign the best available players while the Chiefs build their inaugural squad.

“A lot of players will be off contract at that time,” the former Brisbane Broncos hooker said.

“I think the first of November will probably be one of the hottest transfer windows the NRL has ever been through because of the addition of the PNG team.”

The four-time Queensland Maroons hooker said the excitement surrounding the Chiefs was growing, and he believed many players would be interested in joining the club after experiencing the PNG and seeing the country’s passion for rugby league.

“Everyone here loves rugby league,” he said.

“You can see how much people enjoy the game, how everyone gets behind it, and there are great places to see and experience. That will only continue to improve.”

He also highlighted the importance of developing local players through a strong pathway system.

McCullough said the close connection between the Chiefs, the PNG Hunters and the country’s junior development programmes would play a vital role in preparing young local players for the demands of the NRL.

“The alignment between the Hunters and the junior pathways is very important,” he said. “It helps prepare these young players so they can handle the standards and training schedule of the NRL.”….PACNEWS

PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

PNG Academy pathways working

PORT MORESBY, 16 JULY 2206 (THE NATIONAL)—The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Academy Pathway is already producing positive results in the semi-professional competition, the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, says Mt Hagen Eagles head coach Henry Wan.

The Wamp Nga-backed Eagles have fielded a number of academy graduates this season including Isaac Paun, Jason Daniel and Nathaniel Apa, and Wan said the young players have gone on to show they were ready to compete at this tier of competition.

“It was a tough preseason for them, but they never gave up,” Wan told The National. “They kept learning every day, and now we can see the improvement.”

Wan gave special credit to PNGRFL head of elite pathways, Joe Grima, and his staff for laying a strong foundation before the players joined the Eagles.

He said the academy graduates arrived with a good understanding of the game, making it much easier for the coaching staff to develop them further.

“Credit goes back to the PNGRFL under the leadership of Grima for building this foundation for us,” he said.

“They made it easy for us because most of these boys are only 19 or 20 years old.”

Wan explained that teaching rugby league could be difficult for young players who were new to elite competition.

However, he said the academy graduates already understood the basics and quickly adapted to the team’s systems.

“When we started sharing our knowledge with them, they already had a good understanding,” he said.

“It made communication between the coaches and players much easier.”

He described the work done by Grima and the academy coaches as outstanding and believed the pathway programme would continue to strengthen rugby league across the country.

“Grima and his team have done a fantastic job,” he said.

“We will continue to see more young and talented players identified from all over Papua New Guinea through the Academy Pathway programme,” he said….PACNEWS

PNG – RUGBY  LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL        PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

PNG Hunters to trial video ref system

PORT MORESBY, 16 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The PNG Hunters will become the first Hostplus Cup club to trial a video referee system in Port Moresby, in a move aimed at improving refereeing decisions and helping develop match officials.

Hunters chief executive officer Scott Barker confirmed to The National that the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) had agreed to introduce the technology for the Hunters’ final two home matches of the season against the Redcliffe Dolphins in round 20 and Western Clydesdales in round 21 at Santos National Football Stadium.

“The video referee will only be used to review try-scoring decisions and foul play, similar to the system used in the NRL,” Barker said.

“The referee will make a decision and then, before the goal kick is taken, the video referee will review it. If everything is correct, the try will be confirmed. If there is an issue, time will be stopped and the video referee will explain the decision.”

He said the system would not include captain’s challenges during the trial.

Barker believes the technology was not only good for the Hunters but also for the future of rugby league officiating in Queensland and Papua New Guinea.

“I think it’s good for the game in general, not just for the Hunters,” he said. “The QRL uses a lot of young referees, and this is another tool to help them make better decisions.”

The value of the video referee was again highlighted in the Hunters’ Round 17 clash against the Norths Devils, where fullback Sanny Wabo was denied what appeared to be a legitimate try in the corner.

Had the video referee been available, the decision may have been overturned, potentially giving the Hunters the lead.

While there was still time remaining in the match and the final result could not be guaranteed, the incident showed how video technology could help ensure crucial decisions were made correctly…PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL                  PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

Eight is enough: Haas adamant Broncos have run out of excuses

BRISBANE, 16 JULY 2026 (NRL)—Broncos leader Payne Haas has declared “there’s no more excuses” as the premiers look to save their season by ending an eight-game losing streak on Thursday night.

It’s been 12 long weeks since the Broncos were on the right side of the scoreline – a Round 8 win over the Bulldogs on Anzac Day eve.

The 32-12 victory was the Broncos’ fifth of the season and had them sitting comfortably in seventh place on the ladder heading into a big month of games against the Roosters, Sea Eagles and Warriors.

Few could have predicted the Broncos would lose all three of those matches by a combined score of 112-40.

Sandwiched between byes in Round 12 and Round 16 were losses to the Dragons, Titans and Rabbitohs, before the recent defeats to the Roosters and Sharks left them in 14th position.

Haas, who last played for the Broncos in Round 17 where he captained the side to a competitive defeat at the hands of the Roosters, is one of a number of high-profile returns alongside Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan and Ezra Mam.

The Samoa and NSW Blues representative knows his team’s revival must start against the Panthers – the team they knocked out of last year’s title race in an epic preliminary final in Brisbane.

“There’s no more excuses,” Haas said.

“I think first and foremost, we’ve got a lot of people back and we haven’t really played together as much this year.

“There’s expectation on us to do our job and especially with everyone back with Walshy, Patty, all those kind of blokes, Reyno.

“There’s no more excuses. We’re looking to do a job this week and try and get the outcome we deserve.

“We haven’t played together as much this year due to injury.

“I’ve been out for a while at the start and then Patty’s been out for a bit, Reyno, lots of people have been out.

“But it’s a great opportunity to play together and try and get the result.

“I think it’s an opportunity.

“They’re first for a reason and they play a great brand of footy and it’s a great way to get our footy on, play our best footy against them.

“Everyone’s got lots of belief.

“If you watch our training out there, it doesn’t look like a team that has lost eight in a row.

“Everyone’s got lots of belief and everyone’s still working hard. We know if we keep on working hard, the tide’s going to turn.

“It starts this week against Penrith and there’s no better opportunity to do it against a team like that.”

With Haas leaving at the end of the season to reunite with Wayne Bennett – the coach who handed him his NRL debut in 2018 – at the Rabbitohs, the prop said the prospect of missing the finals was disappointing.

Unless they can turn their fortunes around, the Broncos risk becoming the first defending premier to miss the finals the following season since Wests Tigers went from the top of the mountain in 2005 to 11th in 2006.

“It would be very disappointing,” Haas said.

“That’s what you strive for at the start of the season, but it is what it is.

“We’re worrying about our controllables and worry about day to day we’ll go from there.”

Coach Michael Maguire has maintained his belief throughout the difficult period for the club and

“I’ve said it many times, is I believe in the group,” Maguire said.

“Having those players come back into the team, with a number of our guys getting a lot more experience than they probably normally would have, makes us a pretty strong squad.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead, and it starts tomorrow.

“I can’t really remember the last time we’ve actually had them all together, so it was a while ago.

“But that’s the journey of a season.

“Whatever you face, you have to deal with it.

“I think the players have put themselves in really good shape now to have a real crack at what’s ahead of us.

“If they play to what we know we’re capable of, they’ll be a real handful for any team.”….PACNEWS

PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC                         PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

Fiji maintain 100 percent record at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship

PORT MORESBY, 16 JULY 2026 (OFC)—Fiji made it two wins from two at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Papua New Guinea with a dominant victory over Samoa.

Having overcome New Caledonia to kickstart their campaign, Fiji picked up where they left off, controlling much of the 90 minutes and flexing their impressive attacking muscles.

Isoa Baselala and Ryan Swami went close early on with two good chances, as Fiji began quickly. Swami especially should have done better when clean through – his effort tame and easily held by Samoa goalkeeper Moemanatu Lesatele.

19 minutes were on the clock when the deserved breakthrough arrived. Full-back Shahil Prasad picking the ball up on the left-hand side and driving at the Samoa defence – gliding past four challenges before arrowing a classy low effort into the far corner.

Six minutes later and Fiji were awarded a penalty when Swami broke into the area, only to be clipped late by Tuionoula Iamafana. Swami himself took the spot-kick, calmly rolling into the corner past the outstretched arm of Lesatele.

Baselala added a third shortly before the half-time break. Rayyaan Mohammed given too much space on the right by the Samoan defence, with the winger beating his man and crossing low for Baselala to finish from close range.

Samoa made two changes at the break and seemed much better for it – Malcom J Lober and Atapana Fatu Fasi brought on to try and turn the tide.

Te Koha Gabriel Schick went closest for Samoa in their comeback bid, firing wide of Ratu Natirivi’s left-hand post from a tight angle.

Shortly after that chance however, Baselala added his second and Fiji’s fourth. The forward found by an excellent pass by Zaman Shah, before turning his marker and firing past the exposed Lesatele.

Swami could, and perhaps should, have had his second. Found by a low pass by the impressive Jone Loga, he couldn’t keep his effort down – flashing it over the bar when well placed.

Samoa faded as the match wore on and conceded an unfortunate fifth with ten minutes remaining. Jerry Levea’s long ball forward was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Atapana Fatu Fasi to make it 5-0.

The victory puts Fiji on the verge of a semi-final berth, whilst Samoa will need considerable help and a little luck elsewhere to keep their dreams of advancing past the group stage alive.

Samoa: 0

Fiji: 5 (Shahil PRASAD 19′, Ryan SWAMI (P) 26′, Isoa BASELALA 43′, 62′, Own Goal 80′)

HT: 0-3….PACNEWS

PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC                         PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

Papua New Guinea book semi-final spot at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship

PORT MORESBY, 16 JULY 2026 (OFC)—Papua New Guinea booked their place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New Caledonia.

For New Caledonia, who had suffered a 2-0 defeat to Fiji in their opening fixture, their hopes of a place in the final four are now over.

They arguably had the better of the first-half. Whilst neither side were able to dominate in the fashion Fiji had earlier in the day, it was New Caledonia who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first period.

Titouan Deniaud wasn’t far off with an excellent, opportunistic effort from distance – only denied a goal by an excellent stretching save by goalkeeper Luther Rodney.

Papua New Guinea almost scored on the counter from the resulting corner kick. Boas Tommy bearing down on goal but hesitated and couldn’t get his shot away, eventually being smothered out by the covering defence.

Steevy Andrew came within inches of scoring for New Caledonia with an outrageous attempt just prior to half-time. The defender stepping forward and almost catching Rodney out from the halfway line, only for his effort to come crashing back off the post.

Early in the second period and it was Papua New Guinea’s turn to be denied by the woodwork. A speculative cross by Giob Yalu beating everyone in the box, only to strike the base of the post, before New Caledonia could scramble clear.

Papua New Guinea grew into the game as the half wore on and arguably should have taken the lead just after the hour mark. Iga Steven was played through by John Millis, but never looked set and skewed his effort wide from only a few yards out.

The hosts however were finally rewarded for their improved second-half performance soon after.

Iga Steven was the man to make the difference. The forward latched onto a long ball from Henry Bill, reacting ahead of the New Caledonian defence, before hammering an effort past Jeremy Fere to make it 1-0 with just over 15 minutes left to play.

Nigel Gunemba should have doubled the lead only a couple of minutes later but hooked his effort over the bar when well-placed.

One goal would prove to be enough however, as Papua New Guinea held on for the win. In doing so, it confirms that they, along with Fiji, will qualify for the semi-finals.

New Caledonia: 0

Papua New Guinea: 1 (Iga STEVEN 73′)

HT: 0-0…PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU           PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

‘Against the odds’ Reds comfortable being written off ahead of Drua semi-final

BRISBANE, 16 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Queensland Reds coach Andrew Fraser is eager for his team to showcase that last fortnight’s win over the NSW Waratahs wasn’t a one-off.

It comes as they prepare to face the Fijian Drua for a place in the Super Rugby W Final, a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final.

For the Reds, the finals started early as they upset the defending champions, the Waratahs, in the final round to book their spot in the top four after a slow start to the season.

‘I love how people phrase it as totally against the odds, because that’s what this team’s about,” Fraser said to reporters.

“We’ve got a lot of belief in ourselves and we’ve built a campaign around being selfless in our approach.

“The victory at Leichhardt reinforced those values that we have brought into this squad. Whilst it was historic in many respects, they were deserving of it, and now we take that confidence over to Fiji and take on the might of the Drua.”

Fraser has kept the same starting side that defeated the Waratahs in the quest to back up last year’s impressive win in Fiji.

On that day, the Reds held on to a 22-19 victory after leading 22-0, surviving a late burst from the Drua at Churchill Park.

“I think those wins against New South Wales and Fiji have shown that this group has grown in two years, and we’ve got a lot of self-confidence out of what happened,” Fraser believes.

“We’ll take the field with that confidence to prove that this program is going in leaps and bounds and hopefully achieve the ultimate goal

“We’ve come into this program with the ultimate belief that we want to win the program, but you’ve got to do it step by step.

“We took our first step against New South Wales, and we’ll take our second step against Fiji this weekend, but we know what we want, and we’re looking forward to working towards that,” he said…PACNEWS

IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY       PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

RWC 2027 teams renew rivalries in third round of Nations Championship and Nations Cup

DUBLIN, 16 JULY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY(000The first two rounds of Nations Championship and Nations Cup matches brought a barrage of tries, at an average of around nine per match, in a series of thrilling encounters.

The final round of this initial block will again see all 24 teams competing at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in action on Saturday, 18 July.

Six more back-to-back Nations Championship matches kick off with a blockbuster in Auckland as New Zealand host Ireland and conclude with Argentina facing England in Santiago del Estero.

Meanwhile, six more Nations Cup games including double-headers in Montevideo and Winnipeg will take place across South and North America.

Here are a selection of some of the enticing fixtures in store.

New Zealand (world ranking 2) v Ireland (3)

An intense rivalry has grown between these two nations over the past decade since Ireland earned their first ever win – at the 29th attempt – over the All Blacks in 2016.

They played one of the all-time great Men’s Rugby World Cup matches at RWC 2023 when New Zealand won an epic quarter-final 28-24, overcoming two yellow cards and withstanding nearly 40 phases of intense Irish pressure in a dramatic denouement.

It was only their third RWC meeting, New Zealand winning a pool game 43-19 in 1995 and another quarter-final 46-14 in 2019. That momentous defeat in Paris ended a 17-match winning streak for Ireland going back to a first series win in New Zealand in 2022.

But the All Blacks have won their last three meetings and have a potent weapon in Will Jordan, top try-scorer at RWC 2023, whose hat-trick in last Saturday’s win over Italy took the wing clear as New Zealand men’s all-time record try-scorer with 50.

Ireland will look to the likes of centre Stuart McCloksey, second-row Joe McCarthy and flanker Josh van der Flier, a try-scorer in their recent win over Australia, as they aim to end the All Blacks’ unbeaten run of 52 tests at Auckland’s Eden Park going back to 1994.

Key stat: New Zealand have made more metres per kick in play than any other side in this year’s Nations Championship (29.1), while only England (26%) have retained possession on a higher share of their kicks than Ireland (22 percent).

Japan (11) v France (4)

France and Japan have only met once previously in Men’s Rugby World Cups – a 51-29 win for Les Bleus in a pool encounter at RWC 2003 – but this meeting at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo will be an intriguing marker for a reunion at Australia 2027.

The two sides are both in Pool E at next year’s global gathering and their meeting on 9 October at Brisbane Stadium will be pivotal to deciding their future direction in the tournament.

The winner will likely top Pool E and head to Melbourne for a Round of 16 fixture, while whoever finishes runners-up, in a pool also featuring USA and Samoa, will return to Brisbane – which is hosting 10 matches overall including two quarter-finals – for their first knockout game, probably against hosts Australia or New Zealand.

France got themselves acquainted with the iconic Brisbane venue last weekend when, despite missing stars such as Antoine Dupont, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Thomas Ramos, they still ran in six tries in an impressive 42-26 win over the Wallabies.

Key stat: France have made the most line-breaks of any side in the 2026 Nations Championship (26), while no side has conceded fewer than Japan (10, also England); however, the Brave Blossoms also rank bottom for line-breaks made (5).

South Africa (1) v Wales (12)

Reigning Men’s Rugby World Cup champions South Africa will aim to maintain their perfect start to the Nations Championship with a third win out of three after following a handsome 45-21 win over England with a rollercoaster 42-28 success against Scotland.

The Springboks may have won their most recent meeting 73-0 against a depleted Welsh side last November, but in Rugby World Cup history they have been doughty opponents, with three epic contests across three successive tournaments.

South Africa edged a tense pool meeting 17-16 at RWC 2011 after Wales – who went on to reach the semi-finals – fought back from an early 10-3 deficit to lead 16-12, while Warren Gatland’s side were within five minutes of another semi-final four years later before a late Fourie du Preez try saw South Africa prevail 23-19 at RWC 2015.

There was more late heartbreak for Wales at RWC 2019, where they fought back to level their semi-final in Yokohama at 16-16 before a Handré Pollard penalty in the 76th minute ended their hopes of reaching a first RWC final.

Key stat: Wales are one of two teams to have scored a try from at least half of their line-breaks in this year’s Nations Championship (50%, also Ireland). But South Africa have seen their opposition score on just 16% of the line-breaks they’ve conceded, the best defensive rate of any side.

Argentina (7) v England (5)

Two more sides with plenty of recent Men’s Rugby World Cup rivalry will complete the first block of Nations Championship matches when they meet at the atmospheric Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero in northern Argentina.

The Pumas, who recovered from a Round One defeat by Scotland to beat Wales 35-21 last weekend, will be looking to make a statement against a side who they have lost to in all five Rugby World Cup meetings, including two at the last tournament in 2023.

England won pool encounters in 1995, 2011 and 2019 before they were again pitched together for a third time in four tournaments at RWC 2023. Despite the early loss of Tom Curry to a red card inside three minutes, England fly-half George Ford’s kicking masterclass, including three drop-goals  – only the fifth time in RWC history a player had scored three or more in one match – led them to a 27-10 victory.

Both teams lost in the semi-finals – England to South Africa, Argentina to New Zealand – meaning they met again in the bronze final, England this time edging home 26-23. They subsequently won a two-Test series 2-0 in Argentina in 2025, but a 27-23 win in their most recent meeting last November suggests another close contest is likely.

Key stat: England (100%, 27/27) and Argentina (96.3%, 26/27) have the highest success rates on their own lineouts of any sides in the 2026 Nations Championship – the Pumas are also one of four sides yet to lose one of their own scrums (6/6).

Chile (18) v Georgia (13)

Saturday’s Nations Cup matches begin with a double-header in Montevideo, where Samoa face Romania before Uruguay – who have qualified for a fourth straight Men’s Rugby World Cup – host Hong Kong China, who will make their debut at Australia 2027.

The action then switches to La Serena in northern Chile, where Los Condores will strive to make it three wins from three after bonus-point victories over Romania and Hong Kong China – the latter a Pool A opponent at RWC 2027 – in their opening two games.

Flanker Raimundo Martinez scored four tries in those two wins for Chile, who also face tournament heavyweights New Zealand and Australia at next year’s global tournament.

But they can expect a stern test from Georgia, who have earned impressive wins over Uruguay (41-34) and Samoa (33-12) in their first two matches as they build towards a seventh successive Men’s Rugby World Cup appearance, where they will tackle defending champions South Africa, Italy and Romania in Pool B.

Key stat: Chile (4.88) and Georgia (4.92) have scored the most points per attacking 22 entry of any teams in this year’s Nations Cup, even though Georgia have made the fewest attacking entries of any side (12).

USA (14) v Spain (16)

Sandwiched between a double-header in Winnipeg, where Tonga tackle Portugal and Canada host Zimbabwe, the penultimate fixture of this round of Nations Cup matches pits two improving sides together in Raleigh, North Carolina, after Spain’s 32-19 win over Tonga last weekend lifted them four places up the World Rugby rankings to 16th.

The USA – helped by tries from powerful centre Dominic Besag and number eight Paddy Ryan – earned an encouraging 30-29 victory over Portugal in their opener and last week’s bonus-point win over Zimbabwe gives them a chance to make it three in a row as they build towards Australia 2027, where they will face France, Japan and Samoa in Pool E.

Spain, who will return to Men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time since their lone appearance in 1999, are also unbeaten after a thrilling 42-42 draw with Canada – one of their Pool C opponents next year – preceded the win over Tonga, with inspirational Cameroon-born prop Thierry Futeu to the fore in both games.

Pablo Bouza’s side will kick off their Australia 2027 campaign against Fiji in Newcastle, which is hosting four matches.

Key stat: Spain have completed the most tackles (347) of any side in this year’s Nations Cup and also boast the competition’s best tackle success rate (88.3%), while only Georgia (53) have made more dominant tackles than USA (29, also Uruguay)….PACNEWS

USA – FOOTBALL: UN NEWS CENTRE     PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 16 Jul 2026

World Cup football’s other goal: Helping young people talk about mental health

NEW YORK, 16 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—When DrSahira Al Nahari founded Shifā Art, a Saudi Arabia-based organiSation using art to create conversations around mental health, she noticed that men attending her therapeutic art workshops often felt uncomfortable opening up about their feelings.

At these workshops, however, men often begin by sketching football jerseys or their favorite teams, the medic said. Soon, those drawings become conversations about everyday anxieties – showing how sport can open doors that traditional mental health discussions often cannot.

“On the field, absolutely no one wins alone,” Dr Al Nahari said. “Players depend on a whole ecosystem – defenders, midfielders, coaches, medics and fans in the stands – all having important roles. When we approach youth mental health, we require the exact same ecosystem.”

Speaking alongside UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier at UN Headquarters on Tuesday, Dr. Al Nahari highlighted how sport can improve youth mental health outcomes – and reduce stigma.

On Friday, just two days ahead of the Men’s World Cup final across the river from Midtown Manhattan in New Jersey, the UN Youth Office will host young leaders, policymakers, civil society, athletes and more to celebrate football as a catalyst for youth mental health.

The event is part of the Youth Office’s flagship initiative on Youth Mental Health and Well-Being, which aims to shift the conversation beyond clinical responses.

In February, a UN report found that one in seven people aged 10 to 19 has a mental health condition, 75 per cent of adult mental health conditions were already present by the mid-twenties and depression among adolescents and young adults has increased in recent years.

It noted that youth mental health is heavily shaped by a broad array of inequalities and social determinants – including education, employment, family dynamics, poverty, technology and societal attitudes – which all require cross-sectoral policies to address.

“Young people are navigating a very complex world with very unpredictable changes in terms of digital disruption, economic uncertainty, the consequences of armed conflict, displacement, and social isolation,” Paullier said.

As a result, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends interventions that build resilience, enhance alternatives to risky behaviours, integrate multiple delivery methods and promote supportive social environments.

One such intervention is youth participation in sport.

The same report found that playing team sports is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, regardless of country, but that many young people face barriers to meaningful participation in sport.

As the world’s number one sport, the Youth Office says football can build belonging and social connection, strengthen emotional resilience, and promote inclusion and collective well-being.

“We believe that football and sports are a really powerful messenger, not only because of what they represent when they connect people because we know football legends can be strong messengers to transform narratives,” Paullier said.

Both speakers emphasised that football is unique because it serves as a universal language that brings young people a sense of belonging.

Dr Al Nahari stressed that youngsters are already building effective solutions to support each other’s mental health, and that it is the duty of the UN and the international community to listen – and become productive partners with them.

“The most important players are the youth themselves,” she said. “They are not waiting on the sidelines to be saved.”

The “One World, One Game, One Goal” event on Friday shows football’s ability to address social isolation, but it is just one example of the UN’s multisectoral approach to addressing youth mental health around the world.

For example, the WHO and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) provide evidence-based frameworks to help governments implement effective psychosocial support programs in schools through the Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) initiative.

“We want to use not only sports,”  Paullier said. “We want to meet young people where they are.”

On top of the UN’s efforts to bring awareness to youth mental health and support implementation programmes, Paullier said the world must do a better job playing a supporting role with funding.

Most countries allocate less than two per cent of their annual health budgets to mental health, creating a US$200 billion financing gap, according to the WHO.

“Behind these figures, there’s actually millions of young people that are carrying a pain that is often unseen, unspoken and unsupported,” Paullier said…..PACNEWS