🔗 Share this article South American Rugby Union Triumphs Fuel Men's Global Tournament Qualification Race As many supporters in the UK concentrate on their clubs' early-season fortunes or debate forthcoming fall test matches, the contest for World Cup 2027 qualifying continues unabated. Chile's Historic Achievement Chile secured their second consecutive appearance at the competition with a stunning playoff victory over Samoa last month, leaving one place left up for grabs for the host nation in two years. At the same time, Paraguay surprised Brazil 39-19 in the opening match of their playoff. The return match is scheduled on Saturday in the Brazilian city, near São Paulo, while Brazil's squad attempts to follow their women's achievement and qualify for the first occasion. Upcoming Qualification Clash Regardless of Paraguay completes a shock overall victory, or Brazil recovers following head coach Emiliano Caffera's departure, the lineup for November's qualifying event in Dubai will then be finalized. Namibia, the Belgian squad, and Samoa are already confirmed their places for the Dubai-based showdown from 8-18 November. Global Qualification Developments Several other teams have likewise earned their spots. The Hong Kong China team sealed maiden World Cup entry after defeating Korea 70-22 in July, while the Zimbabwean squad will return to rugby union's most prestigious stage for the first occasion in over three decades after winning the African championship. Chile's Rising Profile The consequence of Chile's playoff success ensures that Los Condores will face Italy for the first time in November during the fall test series, taking the place of Samoa who must participate in the Dubai tournament. World Rugby's chief executive described Chile an "exciting and rapidly rising force" in announcing the upcoming match in Genoa. While local rugby markets seek increased attendance, rugby in Chile is thriving. A capacity crowd of over 20,000 witnessed the qualifying win in the coastal city, and head coach the national coach has led the squad on an upward trajectory since his appointment in recent years. Coach's Notable Legacy The 50-year-old ex- Uruguay international prop has been making an impact for decades: recruited by Bristol in the late 90s, he memorably broke through the English defensive line to score at the 2003 global tournament. His impact as head coach has been similarly powerful: Chile have risen to 17th, their highest-ever ranking. During the previous tournament in France, they were beaten four times, allowing 215 points and registering 27, featuring a heavy defeat to England. Nevertheless, they proudly found the positive aspects, and after the 2027 draw in Sydney on 3 December, Lemoine can start preparations in earnest. They hosted the Scottish team previously, defeated 52-11 before 24,000 supporters, and although they were defeated over two legs by the Uruguayan side in the initial qualifying round, they achieved a 21-18 away victory in Montevideo. The Samoan Qualifying Struggle Samoa, meanwhile, have participated in every World Cup since 1991, but are presently languishing in sixteenth place in the men's rankings. They were without a victory in this year's Pacific Nations Cup, leading to qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the requirement to meet teams like Belgium adds additional challenge for the proud rugby nation. Competition Format Changes Apart from specific teams' fortunes, it is worth noting how changed the larger competition will look in 2027. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six groups of four teams instead of four pools of five. Pool-stage jeopardy is significantly reduced because the four best third-place sides will additionally qualify. Host Nation and Standings Implications The hosts, the Australian team, are currently ranked seventh in the world, which means they would miss out on a top seed and might meet one of the Springboks, New Zealand, the Irish, the French, England, or Argentina in Pool A. They could climb into the highest seeds during a busy November, though: the English team, the Italian side, Ireland, and the French team are their opponents, with a match against Japan in the capital additionally scheduled for 25 October. Wales, on the other hand, are balanced in 12th, with Japan behind, and the implications of dropping to thirteenth and into the third seeding group are potentially significant. American Presence and Future Events Another new dimension for the next World Cup is the participation of five teams from the American continent: Argentina, the Uruguayan side, the United States, Canada, and the Chilean squad – with Paraguay or Brazil possibly becoming the sixth. From World Rugby's viewpoint, engagement from the Americas is beneficial, particularly with the 2031 tournament scheduled to be hosted by the United States, and the selection process for the 2035 tournament was launched last month. Current Focus For now, however. The return match of Brazil v Paraguay sets up a four-way qualifying contest, along with a possible standings change across Europe in November. Regardless of how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has undoubtedly established them as a clear triumphant example.