🔗 Share this article South American Rugby Union Triumphs Fuel Men's World Cup Qualification Race As numerous supporters in the UK focus on their clubs' season-opening fortunes or discuss forthcoming autumn internationals, the battle for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification rages on at full pace. Chile's Remarkable Achievement Chile secured their back-to-back appearance at the tournament with a sensational qualifying win against Samoa last month, leaving a single remaining spot to be claimed for Australia in two years. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan side surprised Brazil 39-19 in the opening match of their qualifying series. The second leg takes place this Saturday in the Brazilian city, close to São Paulo, while Brazil's squad aims to follow their women's success and secure qualification for the first time. Forthcoming Qualifying Showdown Regardless of Paraguay manages a surprise aggregate win, or Brazil bounces back after head coach their coach's departure, the lineup for November's qualifying event in Dubai will be confirmed. Namibia, Belgium, and the Samoan side are already confirmed spots for the Dubai-based showdown from November 8th to 18th. Worldwide Qualifying Developments Several other teams have likewise secured their spots. The Hong Kong China team sealed maiden qualification following beating Korea 70-22 in July, and the Zimbabwean squad will make a comeback to rugby union's premier tournament for the first time in over three decades after claiming victory in the African championship. Chile's Rising Reputation The knock-on effect of Chile's qualifying triumph means that Los Condores will face Italy for the first time in November during the autumn internationals, taking the place of Samoa who are obligated to compete in the Dubai tournament. World Rugby's CEO described Chile an "thrilling and fast-emerging power" in announcing the forthcoming fixture in Genoa. As domestic the sport markets aim for increased attendance, Chilean rugby is thriving. A capacity crowd of more than twenty thousand witnessed the playoff victory in the coastal city, and manager Pablo Lemoine has led the squad on an upward trajectory since taking over in 2018. Manager's Notable Legacy The fifty-year-old ex- Uruguayan prop has been influencing the game for many years: signed by Bristol in the late 90s, he memorably ran straight through England defensive line to touch down at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His impact as head coach has been similarly powerful: Chile have climbed to seventeenth place, their highest-ever ranking. During the previous tournament in Europe, they were defeated four times, conceding over two hundred points and registering 27, including a heavy loss to England. However, they confidently found the positives, and following the 2027 draw in Sydney on 3 December, the coach can begin planning seriously. They faced Scotland previously, losing 52-11 in front of twenty-four thousand fans, and although they were beaten across both matches by the Uruguayan side in the first qualifying round, they achieved a 21-18 away victory in Montevideo. Samoa's Qualification Challenge The Samoan team, meanwhile, have not missed all Rugby World Cup for decades, but are presently sitting in 16th place in the global rankings. They were without a victory in the recent Pacific Nations Cup, resulting in playoff misery versus Chile, and the requirement to meet nations such as Belgium adds additional difficulty for the proud rugby nation. Competition Format Changes Beyond individual nations' fortunes, it is important to consider how changed the larger competition will appear in the next edition. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six groups of four instead of four pools of five teams. Pool-stage risk is much lower because the top four third-placed sides will additionally qualify. Host Nation and Standings Consequences The organizers, the Australian team, are currently placed seventh in the world, which means they would miss out on top seeding and might meet either South Africa, the All Blacks, the Irish, France, the English, or Argentina in their group. They may climb into the highest seeds during a packed autumn schedule, though: the English team, Italy, the Irish squad, and France are their fixtures, with a match against the Japanese team in Tokyo additionally planned for 25 October. The Welsh team, on the other hand, are teetering in 12th, with the Japanese side below, and the consequences of falling to 13th and into pot three are possibly severe. American Representation and Upcoming Tournaments Another fresh aspect for 2027 is the presence of five nations from the American continent: the Argentine team, Uruguay, the United States, the Canadian team, and the Chilean squad – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly becoming the sixth. From the governing body's viewpoint, American interest is positive, particularly with the 2031 tournament scheduled to be hosted by the United States, and the selection process for the 2035 edition was initiated last month. Current Priority First things first, though. The return match of Brazil versus Paraguay sets up a four-way qualifying contest, combined with a possible rankings shake-up throughout Europe in November. No matter the outcome, Chile's qualification for a second Rugby World Cup has already made them as a resounding triumphant example.