Qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2027 began way back at RWC 2023 in France when 12 nations qualified via finishing in the top three of the pools at the tournament: Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Scotland, Wales, runners-up New Zealand and champions South Africa.
The quest to confirm the other 12 teams started over 16 months ago, back on 30 April, 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka when The Nomads of Kazakhstan edged out Qatar 33-31 in Round 1 of the 2024 Asia Rugby Men's Division 1, thanks to a late converted try from Kazakhstan outside-centre Alexander Lymar.
Kazakhstan were eliminated in the Final of Round 1 by Sri Lanka who in turn were eliminated in Round 3, which saw Hong Kong China qualify as Asia 1 for RWC 2027. Debutants Hong Kong China joined 10 other nations who made their way through qualification tournaments and play-offs in Africa, Europe, Oceania and South America: Canada, Chile, Georgia, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Tonga, United States, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.
That leaves us with 23 nations confirmed for Australia 2027 - the 24th nation will be decided over 10 dramatic days in Dubai.
Who will take part in the RWC 2027 Final Qualification Tournament?
Belgium, Brazil, Namibia and Samoa.
How did these four teams reach the FQT?
Each of the four competing nations have followed a challenging route to reach this qualifying showdown. The Welwitschias of Namibia and Tupis of Brazil played the most matches in reaching the FQT (seven), with Manu Samoa and the Black Devils of Belgium both playing five.
Belgium were perhaps the most impressive of the Dubai quartet in qualification, as they made their way through the Rugby Europe Championship 2025. Hard fought losses to Portugal and Romania was followed by victory over Germany to see them finish third in their pool and move on to the ranking finals, where they defeated Switzerland and Netherlands to qualify for the FQT.
Namibia's journey to RWC 2027 took a surprise twist when they were narrowly beaten by arch-rivals Zimbabwe in the final of the 2025 Africa Rugby Cup. With only one automatic qualifying place available from that tournament, which went to Zimbabwe, this meant Namibia had to face the second placed team from RWC 2027 Asia qualification, United Arab Emirates, to keep their RWC 2027 journey alive. However Namibia prevailed 86-29 victory to book their ticket to Dubai.
Samoa also underperformed in their first stage of qualification, finishing sixth in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025. This forced them into a playoff with USA for the final qualifying spot from the Pacific zone. The proud Samoans were beaten 29-13, to see USA on their way to Australia 2027 and Samoa matched up in a play-off against the runner-up of the Sudaméricano 2025, Chile. Although heavily favoured Samoa again lost 63-44 on aggregate to send them to Dubai.
The last of the four to be confirmed for the FQT was Brazil. When they were defeated by Paraguay in the third round of the Sudamericano 2025 it seemed Brazil’s RWC 2027 dreams were over. But then Paraguay advised World Rugby that they had inadvertently played an ineligible player in those play-off matches against Brazil and withdrew from the Final Qualification Tournament, leaving Brazil to take their place.
Who are the favourites to win the Final Qualification Tournament and become the 24th team at Australia 2027?
With their proud Rugby World Cup history and excellent World Rugby Ranking of 16 prior to tournament kick off, Samoa come into the Final Qualification Tournament as slight favourites, but don’t rule out Belgium who fully deserve their own ranking of 22 and over the past two years have notched up some stunning results including defeating already RWC 2027 qualified Canada 25-18 in Edmonton in July.
Namibia have been a Rugby World Cup mainstay over the past 20 years as their ranking of 27 suggests and although they have slipped a little from their regular high standards in recent seasons they will be desperate to keep their run going at Australia 2027.
And don’t rule out Brazil, who at No.32 maybe the lowest ranked team in the tournament but given a reprieve by the withdrawal of Paraguay will be desperate to take their chance and qualify for the first ever Rugby World Cup. Remember Denmark and their late entry to football’s 1992 European Championship, only to go on and win the tournament? It really is all to play for in Dubai.
What is the match schedule for the RWC 2027 Final Qualification Tournament?
The FQT will be played over a single round-robin format from 8-18 November at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai (all times local Dubai time GMT+4):
Match day 1 – 8 November
17:00 - Samoa v Brazil
19:30 - Belgium v Namibia
Match day 2 – 13 November
17:00 - Belgium v Brazil
19:30 - Samoa v Namibia
Match day 3 – 18 November
17:00 – Namibia v Brazil
19:30 – Samoa v Belgium
How can I watch the RWC 2027 Final Qualification Tournament?
For those lucky enough to be in Dubai in November entry to The Sevens Stadium will be free for spectators and rugby fans, and food and beverages will be available to purchase throughout the match days. Ramping up the excitement the stadium’s famous ‘Beats on 2’ raised bar and viewing platform will also be open, offering fans the perfect spot to cheer on their teams.
For those elsewhere around the globe, the FQT will be available to watch anywhere in the world, either through local broadcast partners or free on RugbyPass TV.
But which one of these four nations will complete their long and winding road to RWC 2027 with the joy of triumph in Dubai? We don’t have to wait long to find out.
