Steelers fall to USA in World Championship final after hard-fought campaign

The Australian Steelers have finished runners-up at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship after the United States claimed a 57 to 51 victory in a hard-fought final in São Paulo.

In a rematch of the 2022 World Championship final in Vejle, Denmark — where Australia famously defeated the USA 58 to 55 to claim the world title — the two sides produced another fiercely contested battle on the world stage.

Wearing their green jerseys, the Steelers opened with captain Chris Bond, Ryley Batt, Emilie Miller and Shae Graham, with Batt immediately making his mark by scoring Australia's opening try.

The Steelers were unable to build the same momentum that had carried them through an undefeated campaign, however, with a couple of early errors allowing the USA to gain control. The Americans settled into a strong attacking combination led by Chuck Aoki, Sarah Adam, Alex Pabon and Lee Fredette, taking a one-point advantage into the first break.

Australia continued to fight throughout the contest, but the USA's defence proved difficult to break down as the Americans maintained their narrow advantage.

The Steelers trailed 14 to 15 at quarter-time and 28 to 29 at half-time before the USA extended its lead to four points at the final change, 38 to 42.

Australia continued to push for an opening in the final quarter, but the USA held firm to close out the championship 57 to 51.

Reflecting immediately after the final whistle, Steelers captain Chris Bond said the result could not overshadow the strength of the team's campaign.

“The game didn't go as we'd planned it, but in retrospect, I've only just come off the court, but I am really proud of the team,” he said.

“We've performed excellently. Everyone's played a role. Everyone's been a part of every game. It's still, I think, probably the strongest squad we've had.

“I see many years of success ahead of us. Flawless competition, except for the final. Unfortunately, that's sport sometimes, and America were unbelievable so hats off to them. They did their homework after the pool rounds and they've come come in really hot.

“I’m just really proud of our team how we've conducted ourselves and everyone's performance.”

The Steelers had been undefeated throughout the tournament heading into the final, producing a series of commanding performances through the pool rounds and knockout stages to book their place in the championship decider.

True to the team's commitment throughout the championship, all 12 Steelers again saw court time in the final, continuing a tournament-long approach that ensured every member of the squad contributed on court in every match.

The result marks the end of a demanding World Championship campaign for the Steelers, who battled through seven matches against some of the world's best teams and finished with a silver medal.

Congratulations to the United States on claiming the 2026 World Championship title, and to the Australian Steelers on a hard-fought campaign in São Paulo.