The tenth Rugby League World Cup continued to use the three-year format, stretching to cover the years 1989 to 1992. As with the previous competition teams played each other on a home and away basis. These matches were fitted into the normal international programme of three-match test series between the nations, with a pre-designated match from each series counting as the world cup fixture.

The matches went strictly to form, with Australia undefeated and certain to claim a world cup final berth as early as 1991. France and Papua New Guinea were uncompetitive, leading to a straight fight between New Zealand and Great Britain for the right to meet the Kangaroos in the final. In the event the Lions were able to just edge out the Kiwis on points difference.

The final, at Wembley, was a surprisingly close affair, with Great Britain leading with only 12 minutes to go. The game's only try was then scored by Steve Renouf and Australia were able to claim victory in front of a Rugby League World Cup record crowd of 73,631.

Australia beat New Zealand: 22 - 14 at Auckland. Attendance: 15,000

Great Britain beat New Zealand: 10 - 6 at Wigan. Attendance: 20,346

New Zealand beat France: 34 - 0 at Carcassonne. Attendance: 4,208

Great Britain beat Papua New Guinea: 40 - 8 at Port Moresby. Attendance: 5,969

Australia beat France: 34 - 2 at Parkes, NSW. Attendance: 12,384

New Zealand beat Great Britain: 21 - 18 at Christchurch. Attendance: 3,133

New Zealand beat Papua New Guinea: 18 - 10 at Port Moresby. Attendance 10,000

Australia beat Great Britain: 14 - 0 at Elland Road, Leeds. Attendance: 32,500

Australia beat France: 34 - 10 at Perpignan. Attendance: 3,428

Great Britain beat France: 45 - 10 at Christchurch. Attendance: 3,965

New Zealand beat France: 32 - 10 at Christchurch. Attendance: 2,000

France beat Papua New Guinea: 20 - 18 at Goroka. Attendance: 11,485

Australia beat New Zealand: 40 - 12 at Brisbane. Attendance: 29,139

Australia beat Papua New Guinea: 40 - 6 at Port Moresby. Attendance: 14,500

Great Britain beat Papua New Guinea: 56 - 4 at Wigan. Attendance: 4,193

France beat Papua New Guinea: 28 - 14 at Carcassonne. Attendance: 1,440

Great Britain beat France: 36 - 0 at Hull. Attendance: 5,250

Australia beat Great Britain: 16 - 10 at Brisbane. Attendance: 32,313

New Zealand beat Papua New Guinea: 66 - 10 at Auckland. Attendance: 3,000

Australia beat Papua New Guinea: 36 - 14 at Townsville. Attendance: 12,470