🔗 Share this article

While many fans in the UK concentrate on their clubs' early-season performances or debate upcoming fall test matches, the contest for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifying rages on at full pace.

Chile's Remarkable Achievement

Chile secured their back-to-back appearance at the tournament with a sensational qualifying win over Samoa last month, leaving one place left up for grabs for Australia in two years. At the same time, Paraguay surprised Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their playoff.

The second leg is scheduled on Saturday in the Brazilian city, close to São Paulo, while Brazil's men's team attempts to emulate the women's success and secure qualification for the first occasion.

Upcoming Qualification Showdown

Whether Paraguay completes a shock overall victory, or Brazil recovers following head coach Emiliano Caffera's departure, the lineup for November's Dubai qualification tournament will then be finalized. The Namibian team, the Belgian squad, and the Samoan side have already secured spots for the Middle Eastern showdown from 8-18 November.

Global Qualification Updates

Several other teams have also secured their places. The Hong Kong China team sealed maiden qualification following beating Korea 70-22 in the summer, while the Zimbabwean squad will return to rugby union's premier tournament for the first occasion in over three decades by virtue of winning the African championship.

Chile's Growing Reputation

The knock-on effect of Chile's playoff success ensures that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first time in November during the autumn internationals, replacing Samoa who are obligated to participate in the Dubai tournament.

The global governing body's CEO called Chile an "exciting and rapidly rising force" in announcing the upcoming fixture in Genoa. While local rugby markets seek increased attendance, rugby in Chile is buoyant. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 witnessed the playoff victory in Viña del Mar, and manager the national coach has led the team on an improving path since taking over in 2018.

Coach's Notable Legacy

The 50-year-old ex- Uruguay international prop has been influencing the game for many years: signed by the English club in the late 90s, he memorably ran straight through the English defensive line to score at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

His impact as head coach has been similarly powerful: Chile have climbed to 17th, their highest-ever ranking. During the last tournament in France, they were defeated four times, allowing over two hundred points and registering twenty-seven, featuring a heavy loss to England.

Nevertheless, they proudly took the positive aspects, and following the 2027 draw in Sydney on 3 December, the coach can begin planning in earnest. They faced the Scottish team last year, defeated 52-11 in front of twenty-four thousand supporters, and although they were defeated across both matches by the Uruguayan side in the initial 2027 playoff, they achieved a narrow away victory in the Uruguayan capital.

The Samoan Qualification Challenge

The Samoan team, meanwhile, have not missed every Rugby World Cup for decades, but are presently languishing in 16th position in the men's rankings. They were winless in the recent Pacific Nations Cup, leading to qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the requirement to face teams like Belgium adds additional challenge for the rugby-loving country.

Competition Format Changes

Beyond individual nations' performances, it is important to consider how different the expanded tournament will appear in 2027. For the first time, there will be a knockout stage with six pools of four rather than four groups of five. Pool-stage risk is much lower because the top four third-placed sides will additionally advance.

Host Nation and Standings Implications

The hosts, Australia, are now ranked seventh in the world, which means they would fall short on a top seed and might face one of South Africa, the All Blacks, Ireland, the French, the English, or the Pumas in Pool A. They could rise into the highest seeds during a packed autumn schedule, though: the English team, Italy, the Irish squad, and the French team are their opponents, with a game against the Japanese team in Tokyo additionally scheduled for October 25th.

The Welsh team, meanwhile, are teetering in twelfth place, with the Japanese side behind, and the consequences of falling to 13th and into the third seeding group are possibly severe.

Americas Representation and Upcoming Tournaments

An additional new dimension for 2027 is the presence of five teams from the Americas: the Argentine team, Uruguay, USA, the Canadian team, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil potentially making it six. From World Rugby's perspective, American interest is positive, especially with the 2031 World Cup scheduled to be staged by the United States, and the host selection for the 2035 edition was initiated recently.

Immediate Priority

For now, though. The second installment of Brazil versus Paraguay prepares a four-team Dubai shootout, along with a potential rankings shake-up across Europe in the coming month. Regardless of how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has undoubtedly made them as a clear triumphant example.