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Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Which Nations Must Win and Key Players to Watch

The qualifying race for Rugby World Cup 2027 is over, and the pressure has moved to the pools. All 24 Rugby World Cup teams are known, the Rugby World Cup draw 2027 has been made in Sydney, and the Rugby…

By The Rugby Paper Team · The Rugby Paper

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 11:50 AM

Key Things to Know

All 24 teams have qualified for the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia across six pools of four.
Twelve nations secured automatic entry via France 2023, while twelve others progressed through regional qualification and Dubai play-offs.
The top two teams per pool plus the four best third-placed sides will qualify for the Round of 16.

The Story in 60 Seconds

All 24 teams for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia have been finalized following an expanded qualification cycle. Twelve teams qualified automatically by finishing in the top three of their 2023 pools, while twelve others secured spots via regional pathways and a final tournament in Dubai. The tournament, featuring six pools of four, will run from October 1 to November 13, 2027.

The Rugby Paper notes that the top two teams in each pool alongside the four best third-placed sides will advance to the Round of 16. Decisive pool matchups include Italy against Georgia in Pool B, Portugal versus Uruguay in Pool D, and Japan, the United States, and Samoa competing in Pool E.

Read the full article on The Rugby Paper

Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Which Nations Must Win and Key Players to Watch

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