🔗 Share this article South American Rugby Success Stories Drive Men's Global Tournament Qualification Race While many supporters in the UK focus on their clubs' early-season performances or discuss upcoming autumn internationals, the contest for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification continues at full pace. Chile's Historic Accomplishment Chile earned their second consecutive spot at the tournament with a stunning playoff victory against Samoa recently, leaving only one place left to be claimed for the host nation in two years. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan side stunned Brazil 39-19 in the opening match of their playoff. The return match is scheduled this Saturday in the Brazilian city, near São Paulo, as Brazil's men's team attempts to emulate the women's achievement and secure qualification for the first time. Forthcoming Qualifying Clash Whether Paraguay completes a surprise aggregate win, 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 Dubai-based competition from 8-18 November. Global Qualification Updates Many other nations have also earned their places. Hong Kong China achieved maiden qualification after defeating Korea 70-22 in the summer, while the Zimbabwean squad will make a comeback to rugby union's premier tournament for the first occasion since 1991 after winning the Rugby Africa Cup. Chile's Growing Reputation The knock-on effect of Chile's playoff success ensures that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first occasion in November during the fall test series, replacing Samoa who are obligated to participate in Dubai. World Rugby's chief executive called Chile an "thrilling and rapidly rising force" in confirming the forthcoming fixture in the Italian city. As domestic rugby promotional efforts aim for larger crowds, rugby in Chile is buoyant. A capacity crowd of over 20,000 saw the playoff victory in Viña del Mar, and head coach the national coach has guided the squad on an upward trajectory since his appointment in 2018. Manager's Notable Career The fifty-year-old ex- Uruguay international forward has been making an impact for decades: recruited by the English club in the 1990s, he memorably broke through the English defense to score at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His influence as head coach has been equally significant: Chile have climbed to 17th, their best position. During the last tournament in France, they were beaten four times, allowing 215 points and scoring twenty-seven, including a heavy loss to the English team. Nevertheless, they proudly took the positives, and following the tournament draw in Sydney on 3 December, the coach can begin planning in earnest. They faced the Scottish team previously, losing by a significant margin in front of 24,000 supporters, and while they were beaten across two legs by Uruguay in the initial qualifying round, they achieved a 21-18 away victory in Montevideo. Samoa's Qualifying Struggle The Samoan team, meanwhile, have participated in all Rugby World Cup for decades, but are currently sitting in sixteenth place in the global rankings. They were winless in this year's regional tournament, resulting in qualifying disappointment versus Chile, and the need to meet teams like Belgium adds further challenge for the rugby-loving country. Competition Structural Updates Beyond specific teams' fortunes, it is worth noting how different the larger competition will appear in the next edition. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six pools of four teams instead of four groups of five teams. Pool-stage jeopardy is much lower because the top four third-place teams will also advance. 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 could face either the Springboks, the All Blacks, Ireland, France, England, or the Pumas in their group. They could climb into the top six during a busy November, however: the English team, Italy, the Irish squad, and the French team are their opponents, with a game versus Japan 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 pot three are potentially severe. Americas Presence and Upcoming Events Another fresh aspect for the next World Cup is the presence of five nations from the American continent: the Argentine team, Uruguay, USA, the Canadian team, and Chile – with Paraguay or Brazil possibly making it six. From World Rugby's perspective, engagement from the Americas is positive, particularly with the 2031 World Cup scheduled to be hosted by the USA, and the host selection for the 2035 edition was initiated recently. Immediate Focus For now, though. The second installment of Brazil versus Paraguay prepares a four-way qualifying contest, along with a possible standings change across the European nations in November. No matter how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second Rugby World Cup has already established them as a resounding success story.