The final ticket to the expanded Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia will be decided this November as four determined nations battle it out in the Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament (FQT). Belgium, Namibia, Samoa, and Paraguay have emerged as the last contenders, all converging on Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a high-stakes, round-robin competition that promises to be a thrilling climax to the global qualification journey.
The Final Contenders Emerge
The race to secure the 24th and final spot at the pinnacle of men’s rugby union has narrowed down to four teams, each with a unique story of perseverance. Paraguay made history by overcoming Brazil in a decisive encounter to earn their place, marking a significant achievement for the South American nation. They join perennial World Cup participants Namibia, who qualified as the winner from the Africa/Asia play-off, and Samoa, a proud Pacific island nation that secured their spot as the loser of the South America/Pacific play-off. European representatives Belgium earned their FQT berth by finishing fifth in the Rugby Europe Championship 2025, completing a diverse quartet of teams from different continents.
Tournament Format and Global Stakes
Set to take place at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai from November 8 to 18, 2025, the Final Qualification Tournament will feature a compact, yet intense, round-robin format. Each of the four teams will play each other once across three match days. The team that accumulates the most competition points will claim the ultimate prize: a place at Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. This tournament represents the final opportunity for any nation to qualify, underscoring the immense pressure and ambition that will be on display. The competition embodies World Rugby’s commitment to global growth, providing a platform for emerging nations to challenge for a spot on the world stage.
The Broader RWC 2027 Qualification Landscape
The Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the first edition to feature an expanded 24-team format, a significant increase from previous tournaments. While 12 teams automatically qualified based on their performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the remaining twelve spots have been meticulously determined through a series of regional competitions and cross-regional play-offs held throughout 2024 and 2025. The conclusion of this final qualification tournament by the end of 2025 ensures that all qualified teams are known well in advance of the Rugby World Cup 2027 pool draw, which is scheduled to take place ahead of the Men’s Six Nations in 2026. This predictability allows for more structured preparation and builds anticipation for the global event.
Match Schedule and Officiating Crew
The tournament kicks off on November 8, 2025, with Samoa facing Paraguay at 17:00, followed by Belgium against Namibia at 19:30. The second match day, on November 13, will see Belgium play Paraguay (17:00) and Samoa take on Namibia (19:30). The final match day, November 18, is poised to deliver high drama, with Namibia playing Paraguay at 17:00 and the potentially decisive encounter between Samoa and Belgium at 19:30.
World Rugby has appointed a strong contingent of match officials to oversee these crucial fixtures, ensuring the highest standards for this pivotal tournament. The officiating team includes referees Jordan Way (Australia), Craig Evans (Wales), Eoghan Cross (Ireland), and Damián Schneider (Argentina), who will officiate across the opening rounds. Notably, Jordan Way and Craig Evans have been assigned the final day’s matches, with Evans set to referee the potentially decisive clash between Samoa and Belgium. Griffin Colby (South Africa) will serve as an assistant referee, and Brett Cronan (Australia) as the Television Match Official, rounding out the dedicated panel for this global qualification event.
A Global Spectacle
The Final Qualification Tournament embodies the “ultimate test of resilience, belief, and ambition” for the competing nations. For teams like Belgium and Paraguay, it represents a historic opportunity for a first-ever Rugby World Cup appearance, while established teams like Samoa and Namibia aim to cement their place on the world stage once more. The tournament’s global reach means that fans worldwide can follow the drama, either through dedicated broadcast partners or RugbyPass TV. This event not only determines the final participant for Rugby World Cup 2027 but also highlights the increasing competitiveness and expanding reach of rugby across the globe. The news today signifies a crucial step towards the full lineup for the tournament in Australia.
Conclusion
As the dust settles on the regional qualifiers and play-offs, the Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai stands as the last bastion of hope for a place in Australia. The four confirmed teams – Belgium, Namibia, Samoa, and Paraguay – are poised to deliver an unforgettable spectacle. Their performances over these three match days will etch their names into rugby history, completing the 24-team roster for what promises to be the biggest Rugby World Cup to date.