The information concerning the pathway for South American teams to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027 has been disclosed, with Argentina having already guaranteed a position due to their performance in France 2003. World Rugby is scheduled to announce the global qualifying pathway, which apportions one spot to South America and the potential for two other teams to qualify.
In the previous Rugby World Cup in 2023, three South American countries participated, while Asia had one representative and North America had none. The modifications made by World Rugby appear to inadequately reflect the competitiveness of the region.
Contrasted with the 2023 tournament, the qualifying process for the 2027 World Cup will be expanded, although it will still be fewer compared to the 2019 tournament. The qualifiers are anticipated to commence in August 2024.
The initial round will showcase four teams competing in semi-finals, with Colombia facing Costa Rica and Peru taking on Venezuela. The subsequent round, planned to take place between August and October, will comprise of a triangular series involving Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay.
Brazil will compete against Paraguay at home and subsequently face Chile away, with Paraguay hosting Chile. The top two teams from this series will progress to compete against Uruguay in 2025. The team that finishes third in the triangular series will face the top team from the first round in a subsequent qualifying match. The victor of that match will join Uruguay and two other Sudamérica Rugby teams in the final round.
The competition will distinguish the rounds with Bronze, Silver, and Gold titles (in Spanish). The winner of the Gold title will directly qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027 as Sudamérica Rugby 1. The runner-up will contest against the lowest ranked team from the Pacific Nations Cup (excluding Fiji and Japan, who have already qualified for 2027). The ultimate spot at the World Cup will be determined in a repechage tournament.
The Global Qualifying Pathway for Australia 2027 will involve a final qualification tournament incorporating the victor of the Asia/Africa playoff, Europe 5, South America 3, and the loser of the South America vs. Pacific Nations Cup playoff.
This development heightens the excitement and anticipation for the South American teams aiming for a place at the Rugby World Cup 2027. Moreover, it reflects the escalating interest and competitiveness of rugby in the region, which continues to evolve and leave its mark on the global stage.
As the qualifying process unfolds, rugby enthusiasts worldwide will closely monitor the journey of the South American teams as they vie for a position in one of international rugby’s most prestigious events.