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While many supporters in the UK focus on club season-opening performances or discuss forthcoming autumn internationals, the battle for World Cup 2027 qualification continues unabated.

Chile's Remarkable Achievement

Chile secured their second consecutive appearance at the tournament with a sensational qualifying win over Samoa last month, leaving a single place left up for grabs for the host nation by 2027. Meanwhile, Paraguay stunned Brazil by twenty points in the first leg of their qualifying series.

The second leg takes place this Saturday in Jacareí, near São Paulo, as Brazil's squad attempts to emulate their women's success and qualify for the first time.

Forthcoming Qualification Showdown

Regardless of Paraguay completes a surprise aggregate win, or Brazil bounces back after manager their coach's departure, the lineup for November's qualifying event in Dubai will be confirmed. Namibia, the Belgian squad, and the Samoan side are already confirmed spots for the Dubai-based competition from 8-18 November.

Global Qualifying Updates

Several other nations have likewise earned their spots. Hong Kong China sealed maiden qualification after defeating Korea by a large margin in July, and Zimbabwe will return to the sport's premier tournament for the first time since 1991 by virtue of winning the Rugby Africa Cup.

Chile's Growing Profile

The knock-on effect of Chile's qualifying triumph means that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first occasion in November during the fall test series, replacing Samoa who are obligated to compete in Dubai.

World Rugby's CEO described Chile an "exciting and fast-emerging power" in confirming the upcoming match in Genoa. While domestic the sport markets seek increased attendance, Chilean rugby is buoyant. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 saw the qualifying win in the coastal city, and head coach the national coach has guided the squad on an improving path since taking over in 2018.

Coach's Impressive Career

The 50-year-old former Uruguay international prop has been making an impact for many years: recruited by the English club in the late 90s, he memorably ran straight through the English defensive line to touch down at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

His impact as national coach has been equally powerful: Chile have climbed to 17th, their best ranking. At the previous tournament in Europe, they were defeated in all matches, conceding over two hundred points and registering 27, including a 71-0 loss against England.

However, they proudly took the positives, and following the 2027 draw in Sydney on 3 December, Lemoine can begin planning in earnest. They hosted Scotland previously, defeated by a significant margin before 24,000 supporters, and although they were defeated over both matches by the Uruguayan side in the first qualifying round, they managed a 21-18 away victory in Montevideo.

The Samoan Qualifying Struggle

Samoa, in contrast, have not missed all World Cup since 1991, but are currently sitting in 16th place in the men's rankings. They were winless in this year's Pacific Nations Cup, leading to qualifying disappointment versus Chile, and the requirement to face nations such as Belgium brings additional difficulty for the proud rugby nation.

Competition Format Changes

Apart from specific teams' fortunes, it is important to consider how different the expanded competition will appear in the next edition. For the first occasion, there will be a round of 16 with six groups of four teams instead of four groups of five teams. Pool-stage jeopardy is much lower because the top four third-placed sides will also advance.

Hosts and Standings Consequences

The organizers, Australia, are currently ranked seventh in the global rankings, meaning they would miss out on a top seed and might face one of the Springboks, New Zealand, Ireland, France, England, or the Pumas in Pool A. They may rise into the highest seeds during a busy November, though: England, Italy, the Irish squad, and France are their fixtures, with a match against Japan in Tokyo additionally planned for October 25th.

The Welsh team, meanwhile, are balanced in twelfth place, with the Japanese side behind, and the implications of falling to thirteenth and into the third seeding group are possibly severe.

Americas Presence and Future Tournaments

An additional new dimension for the next World Cup is the participation of five nations from the Americas: the Argentine team, Uruguay, USA, Canada, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil potentially making it six. From World Rugby's perspective, engagement from the Americas is beneficial, particularly with the 2031 World Cup scheduled to be hosted by the United States, and the host selection for the 2035 tournament was initiated recently.

Immediate Focus

First things first, though. The return match of Brazil versus Paraguay sets up a four-way Dubai shootout, along with a potential rankings shake-up across the European nations in November. No matter how things pan out, Chile's successful qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already established them as a resounding triumphant example.