Having been involved in World Cup, Heineken Cup and Super Rugby finals in rugby union, an apparent dead-rubber fixture to conclude his side’s involvement at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup may not initially seem to be among the most significant moments of Michael Cheika’s storied coaching career.

However, the 59-year-old Australian says he will be treating Lebanon’s meeting with France on Sunday (06:50 GMT) as if it were another final.

The Cedars, who reached the quarter-finals four years ago under Cheika, have been defeated by Papua New Guinea and Tonga in their opening two games, ending any hopes of reaching the knockout stages of this abridged tournament.

“We’ve got the one game here against France on Sunday and it’s really our Grand Final,” said the Australian, whose side did not have a fixture between this World Cup and the last.

“I know it’ll be for France as well, knowing some players inside of their team.

“I suppose it’s not the climax of the tournament, but definitely for us this is a finals fixture and we’re approaching it that way.”

Born to Lebanese migrants, Cheika believes the relative rarity of being able to represent the country on a world stage means every opportunity to do so is special.

“The people in Lebanon are watching. I know my own relatives, they’re watching and how often do they get to support their national teams on the world stage? How often do you get to support the flag?

“Compare it to Aussies, we’re getting to support a national team every five minutes, right?

“For the Lebanese, it’s not that simple and I just think the ability to let people see that their team is playing on the world stage is a buzz.”



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