🔗 Share this article Latin American Rugby Success Stories Fuel Men's Global Tournament Qualification Campaign As many fans in the UK focus on their clubs' season-opening fortunes or debate forthcoming fall test matches, the contest for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifying rages on unabated. Chile's Historic Accomplishment Chile secured their second consecutive spot at the tournament with a stunning playoff victory over Samoa last month, leaving only one place left up for grabs for the host nation in two years. At the same time, Paraguay surprised Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their qualifying series. The second leg takes place this Saturday in the Brazilian city, near São Paulo, while Brazil's squad attempts to follow their women's achievement and secure qualification for the first time. Forthcoming Qualifying Clash Whether Paraguay manages a surprise aggregate win, or Brazil bounces back following head coach Emiliano Caffera's departure, the participants for November's qualifying event in Dubai will then be finalized. The Namibian team, the Belgian squad, and the Samoan side have already secured spots for the Middle Eastern competition from 8-18 November. Global Qualification Updates Several additional nations have also secured their places. The Hong Kong China team achieved maiden qualification following defeating Korea 70-22 in the summer, and the Zimbabwean squad will make a comeback to the sport's premier tournament for the first occasion in over three decades after winning the African championship. Chile's Rising Reputation The consequence of Chile's qualifying triumph means that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first occasion in November during the autumn internationals, replacing Samoa who must compete in the Dubai tournament. World Rugby's chief executive called Chile an "exciting and rapidly rising force" in announcing the upcoming match in Genoa. While local the sport markets aim for larger crowds, rugby in Chile is thriving. A sell-out audience of more than twenty thousand witnessed the playoff victory in Viña del Mar, and head coach the national coach has led the squad on an improving path since his appointment in 2018. Manager's Notable Career The 50-year-old ex- Uruguayan forward has been influencing the game for decades: recruited by Bristol in the 1990s, he famously ran straight through England defensive line to touch down at the 2003 global tournament. His influence as national coach has been similarly significant: Chile have climbed to seventeenth place, their highest-ever position. During the previous tournament in Europe, they were defeated four times, conceding 215 points and registering twenty-seven, including a 71-0 loss to the English team. However, they confidently found the positive aspects, and after the 2027 draw in Sydney on December 3rd, the coach can begin planning seriously. They hosted Scotland last year, losing by a significant margin in front of 24,000 fans, and although they were beaten across two legs by Uruguay in the first qualifying round, they managed a 21-18 away victory in the Uruguayan capital. Samoa's Qualification Struggle The Samoan team, in contrast, have participated in every Rugby World Cup for decades, but are presently languishing in sixteenth place in the global rankings. They were winless in this year's regional tournament, resulting in playoff misery versus Chile, and the need to face teams like Belgium adds further challenge for the proud rugby nation. Competition Format Changes Apart from specific teams' performances, it is important to consider how different the expanded tournament will appear in 2027. For the first occasion, there will be a round of 16 with six pools of four teams instead of four pools of five teams. Group phase risk is significantly reduced because the top four third-placed teams will additionally qualify. Hosts and Rankings Consequences The hosts, Australia, are currently placed seventh in the world, meaning they would fall short on a top seed and might meet one of South Africa, the All Blacks, the Irish, the French, England, or the Pumas in Pool A. They could climb into the highest seeds during a packed autumn schedule, though: England, Italy, the Irish squad, and the French team are their opponents, with a game against the Japanese team in the capital also planned for October 25th. Wales, on the other hand, are teetering in 12th, with the Japanese side behind, and the implications of dropping to 13th and into the third seeding group are potentially significant. American Representation and Future Tournaments Another fresh aspect for 2027 is the presence of five teams from the American continent: Argentina, the Uruguayan side, USA, Canada, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly becoming the sixth. From World Rugby's viewpoint, engagement from the Americas is positive, particularly with the 2031 tournament scheduled to be hosted by the USA, and the selection process for the 2035 edition was initiated last month. Current Focus First things first, however. The second installment of Brazil versus Paraguay prepares a four-team Dubai shootout, combined with a possible standings change throughout Europe in the coming month. No matter how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second Rugby World Cup has undoubtedly established them as a resounding triumphant example.