🔗 Share this article

As many supporters in the UK concentrate on their clubs' season-opening fortunes or discuss upcoming autumn internationals, the contest for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifying continues unabated.

Chile's Historic Accomplishment

Chile secured their second consecutive spot at the competition with a sensational qualifying win over Samoa last month, leaving one place left up for grabs for Australia by 2027. At the same time, Paraguay stunned Brazil 39-19 in the opening match of their playoff.

The second leg takes place on Saturday in Jacareí, close to São Paulo, as Brazil's men's team aims to emulate the women's success and secure qualification for the first time.

Forthcoming Qualifying Showdown

Regardless of Paraguay completes a shock overall win, or Brazil bounces back following head coach their coach's recent dismissal, the lineup for November's qualifying event in Dubai will then be finalized. The Namibian team, Belgium, and Samoa are already confirmed their places for the Dubai-based competition from 8-18 November.

Global Qualification Updates

Many additional teams have likewise earned their places. Hong Kong China achieved first-time qualification after beating Korea by a large margin in July, while Zimbabwe will make a comeback to the sport's premier tournament for the first time since 1991 by virtue of claiming victory in the African championship.

Chile's Rising Profile

The knock-on effect of Chile's qualifying triumph ensures that Los Condores will face Italy for the first occasion next month during the fall test series, replacing Samoa who are obligated to compete in Dubai.

World Rugby's chief executive described Chile an "exciting and rapidly rising force" in confirming the forthcoming match in the Italian city. As local rugby promotional efforts seek larger crowds, Chilean rugby is buoyant. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 saw the qualifying win in the coastal city, and manager the national coach has guided the team on an improving path since his appointment in recent years.

Manager's Impressive Legacy

The 50-year-old former Uruguay international prop has been influencing the game for many years: recruited by the English club in the late 90s, he famously ran straight through the English defensive line to touch down at the 2003 global tournament.

His impact as head coach has been equally significant: Chile have risen to 17th, their best ranking. During the last tournament in Europe, they were beaten in all matches, allowing 215 points and registering 27, featuring a heavy loss to the English team.

Nevertheless, they proudly took the positive aspects, and after the tournament draw in Australia on December 3rd, the coach can begin planning seriously. They hosted Scotland last year, defeated 52-11 in front of twenty-four thousand fans, and while they were defeated across two legs by the Uruguayan side in the first 2027 playoff, they achieved a 21-18 win on the road in Montevideo.

Samoa's Qualifying Challenge

The Samoan team, in contrast, have not missed every World Cup since 1991, but are currently languishing in 16th place in the men's rankings. They were without a victory in the recent regional tournament, resulting in playoff misery versus Chile, and the need to face nations such as Belgium adds further challenge for the rugby-loving country.

Competition Format Changes

Beyond individual nations' fortunes, it is important to consider how different the expanded competition will look in the next edition. For the first time, there will be a round of 16 with six groups of four instead of four groups of five. Pool-stage jeopardy is much lower because the top four third-place sides will additionally advance.

Hosts and Rankings Implications

The organizers, Australia, are now placed seventh in the global rankings, which means they would miss out on top seeding and could face one of the Springboks, New Zealand, Ireland, France, the English, or Argentina in Pool A. They may rise into the top six during a busy November, though: England, the Italian side, Ireland, and France are their opponents, with a game against the Japanese team in Tokyo additionally scheduled for 25 October.

Wales, meanwhile, are teetering in twelfth place, with Japan below, and the implications of falling to 13th and into the third seeding group are possibly significant.

Americas Representation and Upcoming Events

An additional fresh aspect for the next World Cup is the presence of five teams from the American continent: Argentina, the Uruguayan side, USA, Canada, and the Chilean squad – with Paraguay or Brazil potentially making it six. From World Rugby's viewpoint, engagement from the Americas is positive, particularly with the 2031 World Cup set to be staged by the United States, and the host selection for the 2035 edition was initiated recently.

Immediate Focus

First things first, however. The return match of Brazil v Paraguay sets up a four-way qualifying contest, combined with a potential standings change throughout the European nations in November. Regardless of how things pan out, Chile's successful qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has undoubtedly established them as a resounding triumphant example.