At least one Rugby World Cup regular will miss 2027 as final 4 teams named

At least one Rugby World Cup regular will miss out on Australia 2027 after World Rugby confirmed the final four nations set to contest the last remaining qualification place.

Namibia and Samoa, both long-standing fixtures at the tournament, now find themselves in a fight for survival in the Final Qualification Tournament (FQT), where they’ll be joined by Belgium and Paraguay. The four sides will meet in Dubai from 8–18 November 2025, with only the top finisher earning passage to the expanded 24-team Rugby World Cup.

That guarantees disappointment for at least one of Samoa or Namibia – nations that have featured at every Rugby World Cup since 1991 and 1999 respectively – and opens the door for a possible debut for Belgium or Paraguay.

The stakes are clear. Each team will play three games in a round-robin format, all hosted at The Sevens Stadium, a venue steeped in rugby pedigree and known for staging elite international competition.

Paraguay secured their spot after defeating Brazil 70-43 on aggregate in their South American qualifier on 18 October – a milestone moment for Los Yacarés, who have never come this close to the global stage.

They join Belgium, surprise winners of the Rugby Europe Championship’s second tier, alongside Namibia and Samoa, who advanced via the African and Oceania regional pathways.

The fixture list opens on 8 November with Samoa facing Paraguay at 17:00, followed by Belgium against Namibia at 19:30. Five days later, Belgium take on Paraguay before Samoa and Namibia meet in what could prove a decisive clash. The competition wraps up on 18 November, when Namibia play Paraguay before Samoa round things off against Belgium.

All matches will be available worldwide through local broadcasters and RugbyPass TV.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The Final Qualification Tournament represents the ultimate test of resilience, belief, and ambition for these four nations. Each team has overcome enormous challenges to reach this stage, and only one will earn the right to compete at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

“With Dubai set to host what promises to be an exciting and fiercely contested event, the Final Qualification Tournament embodies the global growth and inclusivity at the heart of our sport.”