More than 20 nations will be given the opportunity to play in the 2013 rugby league World Cup to be held in the United Kingdom.

The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) announced on Tuesday that 14 nations will compete in the revamped and expanded tournament, with two of the countries to come from qualifying tournaments in the northern and southern hemispheres.

The proposal for a 14-nation World Cup was ratified in Singapore at a meeting of the RLIF.

"We are delighted to have ratified this proposal for a 14-nation Rugby League World Cup, which was unanimously supported by RLIF delegates," RLIF chairman Colin Love.

"This year will see the Four Nations (tournament) in Australia and New Zealand build on the success of the 2008 World Cup and the 2009 Four Nations.

"Going forward I am confident that in 2013 we will see a tournament that will successfully showcase international rugby league to a worldwide audience."

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