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While many supporters in the UK focus on club early-season performances or discuss forthcoming fall test matches, the contest for World Cup 2027 qualification continues unabated.

Chile's Historic Accomplishment

Chile secured their second consecutive spot at the tournament with a sensational playoff victory against Samoa last month, leaving only one remaining spot to be claimed for Australia by 2027. Meanwhile, Paraguay surprised Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their qualifying series.

The second leg takes place this Saturday in Jacareí, near São Paulo, while Brazil's squad aims to follow their women's achievement and qualify for the first occasion.

Upcoming Qualifying Showdown

Whether Paraguay completes a surprise aggregate win, or Brazil bounces back following head coach Emiliano Caffera's recent dismissal, the participants for next month's Dubai qualification tournament will then be finalized. Namibia, the Belgian squad, and the Samoan side are already confirmed their places for the Middle Eastern competition from November 8th to 18th.

Worldwide Qualifying Updates

Several additional nations have also secured their places. The Hong Kong China team sealed first-time qualification following defeating Korea 70-22 in the summer, and Zimbabwe will make a comeback to rugby union's most prestigious stage for the first occasion in over three decades by virtue of claiming victory in the African championship.

Chile's Growing Reputation

The consequence of Chile's playoff success ensures that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first occasion next month during the autumn internationals, replacing Samoa who are obligated to participate in the Dubai tournament.

World Rugby's CEO described Chile an "exciting and fast-emerging power" in confirming the upcoming fixture in the Italian city. As local rugby promotional efforts aim for increased attendance, Chilean rugby is thriving. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 witnessed the playoff victory in the coastal city, and manager the national coach has led the team on an improving path since his appointment in 2018.

Manager's Notable Legacy

The 50-year-old ex- Uruguayan forward has been making an impact for many years: recruited by Bristol 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 similarly powerful: Chile have climbed to 17th, their highest-ever ranking. During the last tournament in France, they were defeated four times, conceding 215 points and scoring twenty-seven, including a 71-0 loss against the English team.

Nevertheless, they proudly took the positives, and following the tournament draw in Australia on 3 December, Lemoine can start preparations seriously. They faced Scotland previously, losing 52-11 before twenty-four thousand fans, and while they were beaten over both matches by the Uruguayan side in the initial 2027 playoff, they achieved a narrow win on the road in the Uruguayan capital.

Samoa's Qualifying Challenge

Samoa, in contrast, have not missed all Rugby World Cup for decades, but are currently languishing in 16th place in the global rankings. They were without a victory in the recent Pacific Nations Cup, leading to qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the need to meet nations such as Belgium brings additional challenge for the rugby-loving country.

Competition Structural Updates

Apart from specific teams' performances, it is worth noting how different the larger competition will appear in the next edition. For the first occasion, there will be a round of 16 with six groups of four rather than four groups of five. Pool-stage jeopardy is much lower because the four best third-placed teams will also advance.

Hosts and Rankings Implications

The hosts, Australia, are currently placed seventh in the global rankings, meaning they would miss out on top seeding and could face one of South Africa, the All Blacks, Ireland, the French, England, or the Pumas in Pool A. They could rise into the top six during a busy November, though: England, the Italian side, Ireland, and the French team are their fixtures, with a game against the Japanese team in the capital additionally planned for October 25th.

Wales, on the other hand, are balanced in twelfth place, with the Japanese side behind, and the consequences of dropping to 13th and into the third seeding group are possibly significant.

American Presence and Upcoming Events

An additional new dimension for the next World Cup is the presence of five nations from the American continent: Argentina, the Uruguayan side, the United States, the Canadian team, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly becoming the sixth. From World Rugby's perspective, engagement from the Americas is positive, especially with the 2031 tournament scheduled to be staged by the USA, and the host selection for the 2035 edition was initiated last month.

Current Priority

First things first, though. The second installment of Brazil v Paraguay sets up a four-team qualifying contest, combined with a possible standings change across the European nations in November. Regardless of how things pan out, Chile's successful qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already established them as a resounding triumphant example.