🔗 Share this article

While many fans in the UK concentrate on club early-season performances or discuss forthcoming autumn internationals, the contest for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifying continues unabated.

Chile's Historic Achievement

Chile earned their second consecutive appearance at the tournament with a stunning qualifying win against Samoa last month, leaving only a single remaining spot to be claimed for the host nation by 2027. At the same time, Paraguay stunned Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their qualifying series.

The return match is scheduled this Saturday in Jacareí, close to São Paulo, while Brazil's squad attempts to follow their women's success and secure qualification for the first time.

Upcoming Qualification Clash

Whether Paraguay manages a shock overall win, or Brazil recovers after manager their coach's departure, the lineup for next month's qualifying event in Dubai will be confirmed. The Namibian team, the Belgian squad, and the Samoan side have already secured spots for the Middle Eastern competition from 8-18 November.

Global Qualifying Developments

Several other teams have also earned their spots. Hong Kong China achieved maiden World Cup entry following defeating Korea 70-22 in July, while the Zimbabwean squad will make a comeback to rugby union's premier tournament for the first occasion since 1991 after claiming victory in the Rugby Africa Cup.

Chile's Growing Reputation

The knock-on effect of Chile's qualifying triumph ensures that Los Condores will face Italy for the first occasion in November during the autumn internationals, replacing Samoa who are obligated to compete in the Dubai tournament.

World Rugby's CEO described Chile an "exciting and fast-emerging power" in announcing the forthcoming match in the Italian city. As domestic the sport markets seek increased attendance, rugby in Chile is buoyant. A capacity crowd of over 20,000 saw the qualifying win in the coastal city, and manager Pablo Lemoine has led the squad on an upward trajectory since taking over in recent years.

Coach's Impressive Legacy

The fifty-year-old ex- Uruguayan prop has been making an impact for decades: signed by the English club in the 1990s, he famously broke through the English defense to score at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

His influence as national coach has been similarly significant: Chile have risen to seventeenth place, their highest-ever position. At the previous World Cup in France, they were beaten in all matches, conceding 215 points and registering twenty-seven, including a 71-0 defeat to England.

However, they proudly found the positive aspects, and following the 2027 draw in Australia on 3 December, Lemoine can begin planning in earnest. They hosted the Scottish team last year, defeated 52-11 before 24,000 fans, and while they were defeated over both matches by Uruguay in the first 2027 playoff, they achieved a 21-18 win on the road in the Uruguayan capital.

The Samoan Qualification Struggle

Samoa, in contrast, have participated in all World Cup for decades, but are presently languishing in 16th position in the men's rankings. They were winless in this year's regional tournament, resulting in qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the need to meet nations such as Belgium adds additional challenge for the proud rugby nation.

Competition Structural Updates

Beyond individual nations' performances, it is important to consider how different the larger tournament will appear in 2027. For the first time, there will be a round of 16 with six pools of four instead of four groups of five. Group phase jeopardy is much lower because the top four third-place teams will also advance.

Hosts and Rankings Consequences

The hosts, Australia, are now placed seventh in the world, meaning they would miss out on top seeding and might meet one of the Springboks, New Zealand, Ireland, France, the English, or the Pumas in their group. They could rise into the highest seeds during a packed autumn schedule, however: the English team, Italy, the Irish squad, and France are their fixtures, with a game against Japan in Tokyo also scheduled for October 25th.

Wales, meanwhile, are balanced in twelfth place, with Japan below, and the consequences of falling to thirteenth and into the third seeding group are possibly severe.

Americas Representation and Upcoming Tournaments

Another fresh aspect for the next World Cup is the presence of five teams from the American continent: Argentina, Uruguay, the United States, the Canadian team, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly making it six. From World Rugby's perspective, American interest is positive, especially with the 2031 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, and the selection process for the 2035 tournament was initiated recently.

Immediate Focus

First things first, however. The second installment of Brazil versus Paraguay prepares a four-way qualifying contest, along with a possible rankings shake-up across the European nations in November. No matter how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already established them as a clear success story.