🔗 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 debate forthcoming autumn internationals, the contest for World Cup 2027 qualifying rages on unabated. Chile's Historic Achievement Chile earned their second consecutive appearance at the competition with a sensational qualifying win against Samoa recently, leaving only one place left to be claimed for the host nation in two years. At the same time, the Paraguayan side surprised Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their playoff. The return match takes place this Saturday in the Brazilian city, close to São Paulo, while Brazil's men's team attempts to emulate the women's achievement and qualify for the first time. Upcoming Qualification Clash Regardless of Paraguay completes a surprise aggregate victory, or Brazil bounces back following manager Emiliano Caffera's departure, the lineup for November's qualifying event in Dubai will be confirmed. Namibia, Belgium, and Samoa are already confirmed spots for the Middle Eastern competition from November 8th to 18th. Worldwide Qualification Developments Several other teams have also earned their spots. Hong Kong China achieved first-time World Cup entry following defeating Korea by a large margin in July, and Zimbabwe will return to rugby union's premier tournament for the first time in over three decades by virtue of claiming victory in the African championship. Chile's Rising Profile The knock-on effect of Chile's playoff success means that Los Condores will face Italy for the first time in November during the fall test series, replacing Samoa who must compete in Dubai. World Rugby's CEO called Chile an "thrilling and fast-emerging power" in announcing the forthcoming fixture in Genoa. While domestic rugby promotional efforts aim for increased attendance, rugby in Chile is thriving. A sell-out audience of more than twenty thousand saw the playoff victory in the coastal city, and head coach the national coach has guided the team on an upward trajectory since taking over in 2018. Coach's Notable Legacy The fifty-year-old ex- Uruguayan forward has been influencing the game for decades: recruited by the English club in the late 90s, he famously broke through England defensive line to score at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His influence as national coach has been similarly significant: Chile have climbed to 17th, their highest-ever position. During the last tournament in France, they were beaten four times, conceding 215 points and scoring 27, including a heavy loss to England. Nevertheless, they proudly found the positive aspects, and after the 2027 draw in Sydney on 3 December, Lemoine can start preparations seriously. They hosted Scotland previously, defeated 52-11 in front of twenty-four thousand fans, and although they were defeated across both matches by Uruguay in the first qualifying round, they managed a narrow win on the road in the Uruguayan capital. Samoa's Qualifying Challenge Samoa, meanwhile, have participated in every Rugby World Cup for decades, but are currently languishing in 16th place in the global rankings. They were winless in the recent regional tournament, resulting in qualifying disappointment versus Chile, and the requirement to face nations such as Belgium brings further challenge for the proud rugby nation. Competition Format Changes Beyond specific teams' performances, it is worth noting how changed the larger tournament will appear in 2027. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six groups of four teams rather than four groups of five teams. Pool-stage risk is significantly reduced because the four best third-placed sides will also advance. Hosts and Rankings Consequences The organizers, Australia, are currently placed seventh in the global rankings, which means they would fall short on a top seed and might face one of the Springboks, the All Blacks, the Irish, France, England, or the Pumas in their group. They could rise into the highest seeds during a busy November, though: the English team, the Italian side, the Irish squad, and the French team are their opponents, with a match against the Japanese team in the capital also scheduled for October 25th. Wales, meanwhile, are balanced in 12th, with the Japanese side below, and the consequences of falling to 13th and into the third seeding group are possibly significant. Americas Representation and Future Events An additional new dimension for 2027 is the participation of five teams from the Americas: the Argentine team, Uruguay, the United States, Canada, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly making it six. From World Rugby's viewpoint, engagement from the Americas is beneficial, especially with the 2031 tournament set to be staged by the United States, and the selection process for the 2035 tournament was launched recently. Immediate Priority For now, however. The second installment of Brazil v Paraguay prepares a four-team qualifying contest, along with a possible standings change throughout Europe in November. Regardless of the outcome, Chile's successful qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already made them as a clear triumphant example.