🔗 Share this article South American Rugby Union Success Stories Fuel Men's World Cup Qualification Campaign As numerous fans in the UK focus on their clubs' season-opening performances or debate upcoming autumn internationals, the battle for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifying continues unabated. Chile's Historic Accomplishment Chile secured their back-to-back appearance at the competition with a sensational qualifying win against Samoa recently, leaving a single place left up for grabs for Australia by 2027. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan side stunned Brazil by twenty points in the opening match of their qualifying series. The second leg is scheduled this Saturday in JacareÃ, close to São Paulo, while Brazil's squad aims to emulate the women's success and qualify for the first occasion. Upcoming Qualification Clash Whether Paraguay completes a shock overall win, or Brazil bounces back following head coach their coach's departure, the lineup for next month's qualifying event in Dubai will be confirmed. Namibia, the Belgian squad, and the Samoan side have already secured spots for the Middle Eastern competition from November 8th to 18th. Global Qualification Developments Several other teams have likewise secured their spots. Hong Kong China achieved maiden qualification following beating Korea by a large margin in July, while Zimbabwe will return to the sport's premier tournament for the first occasion since 1991 by virtue of claiming victory in the African championship. Chile's Rising Profile The knock-on effect of Chile's qualifying triumph means that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first occasion next month during the fall test series, taking the place of Samoa who are obligated to compete in Dubai. The global governing body's CEO called Chile an "thrilling and fast-emerging force" in confirming the forthcoming fixture in Genoa. As local the sport markets aim for larger crowds, Chilean rugby is buoyant. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 witnessed the qualifying win in Viña del Mar, and head coach Pablo Lemoine has led the squad on an upward trajectory since his appointment in 2018. Coach's Notable Legacy The fifty-year-old ex- Uruguay international prop has been influencing the game for many years: signed by Bristol in the late 90s, he memorably broke through England defensive line to touch down at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His influence as national coach has been equally significant: Chile have risen to seventeenth place, their highest-ever position. During the last tournament in France, they were defeated four times, allowing 215 points and scoring 27, featuring a 71-0 defeat to the English team. However, they proudly found the positive aspects, and following the 2027 draw in Sydney on December 3rd, the coach can start preparations in earnest. They hosted Scotland last year, losing 52-11 in front of twenty-four thousand fans, and although they were defeated across two legs by Uruguay in the first 2027 playoff, they managed a narrow win on the road in Montevideo. The Samoan Qualification Challenge Samoa, meanwhile, have not missed all World Cup since 1991, but are currently sitting in sixteenth position in the men's rankings. They were without a victory in the recent regional tournament, leading to playoff misery against Chile, and the need to meet nations such as Belgium adds further difficulty for the proud rugby nation. Competition Format Changes Beyond specific teams' fortunes, it is worth noting how different the expanded tournament will appear in 2027. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six pools of four rather than four groups of five teams. Group phase jeopardy is significantly reduced because the top four third-placed teams will additionally advance. Hosts and Rankings Implications The hosts, Australia, are now placed seventh in the global rankings, meaning they would miss out on top seeding and might meet either the Springboks, New Zealand, Ireland, France, England, or the Pumas in Pool A. They could rise into the highest seeds during a busy November, however: the English team, Italy, the Irish squad, and the French team are their opponents, with a game against Japan in Tokyo additionally planned for 25 October. The Welsh team, on the other hand, are teetering in 12th, with Japan behind, and the implications of falling to 13th and into the third seeding group are possibly severe. Americas Representation and Upcoming Tournaments An additional new dimension for 2027 is the participation of five nations from the Americas: the Argentine team, the Uruguayan side, the United States, the Canadian team, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly making it six. From World Rugby's viewpoint, American interest is beneficial, especially with the 2031 tournament scheduled to be hosted by the USA, and the host selection for the 2035 tournament was initiated last month. Immediate Focus For now, though. The second installment of Brazil v Paraguay sets up a four-team qualifying contest, combined with a possible standings change across the European nations in November. No matter the outcome, Chile's successful qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already made them as a clear triumphant example.