Of the fourteen teams that would participate in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, only two were not automatic inclusions, so must win qualifying matches to enter the tournament, which was held in Wales and England.[1] Originally around twenty teams were to be involved in qualification for the tournament,[2] but this was eventually fixed at nineteen.
Qualified teams
Pacific
Seven teams from the Pacific qualified for the World Cup. All of these teams were granted automatic qualification.
The European qualifying group involved Russia, Italy, Serbia and Lebanon.[6] Both Italy and Lebanon remained unbeaten, recording two wins and a draw each. However, Italy topped the group as a result of points difference and therefore qualified for the World Cup.[4]