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As many fans in the UK focus on club season-opening performances or discuss upcoming autumn internationals, the contest for World Cup 2027 qualifying rages on at full pace.

Chile's Historic Achievement

Chile secured their second consecutive spot at the tournament with a sensational playoff victory over Samoa recently, leaving only one place left to be claimed for Australia in two years. Meanwhile, Paraguay stunned Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their qualifying series.

The second leg is scheduled on Saturday in the Brazilian city, near São Paulo, as Brazil's men's team aims to emulate their women's achievement and qualify for the first time.

Upcoming Qualification Clash

Regardless of Paraguay manages a shock overall victory, or Brazil bounces back following manager their coach's departure, the lineup for November's qualifying event in Dubai will be confirmed. The Namibian team, Belgium, and the Samoan side have already secured their places for the Middle Eastern competition from 8-18 November.

Global Qualification Updates

Several additional teams have also earned their spots. Hong Kong China sealed first-time qualification following defeating Korea 70-22 in the summer, while the Zimbabwean squad will make a comeback to rugby union's most prestigious stage for the first time since 1991 by virtue of winning the Rugby Africa Cup.

Chile's Growing Profile

The consequence of Chile's qualifying triumph means that Los Condores will face Italy for the first occasion next month during the fall test series, replacing Samoa who are obligated to participate in Dubai.

The global governing body's chief executive described Chile an "thrilling and rapidly rising power" in announcing the forthcoming fixture in the Italian city. While domestic the sport promotional efforts aim for increased attendance, Chilean rugby is buoyant. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 witnessed the playoff victory in Viña del Mar, and manager the national coach has guided the team on an upward trajectory since his appointment in recent years.

Manager's Impressive Legacy

The fifty-year-old former Uruguayan prop has been influencing the game for decades: signed by Bristol in the late 90s, he memorably ran straight through England defense to touch down at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

His influence as head coach has been similarly significant: Chile have risen to 17th, their best ranking. During the previous World Cup in Europe, they were defeated in all matches, allowing over two hundred points and scoring 27, featuring a 71-0 loss against the English team.

However, they confidently found the positives, and after the tournament draw in Sydney on December 3rd, the coach can begin planning in earnest. They faced the Scottish team previously, losing 52-11 in front of 24,000 supporters, and although they were beaten over both matches by the Uruguayan side in the first qualifying round, they managed a 21-18 away victory in Montevideo.

Samoa's Qualification Challenge

The Samoan team, in contrast, have not missed all World Cup since 1991, but are presently languishing in sixteenth place in the global rankings. They were winless in this year's Pacific Nations Cup, resulting in qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the need to meet teams like Belgium brings additional difficulty for the proud rugby nation.

Competition Format Changes

Apart from specific teams' performances, it is worth noting how different the larger competition will appear in 2027. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six groups of four teams instead of four pools of five teams. Pool-stage risk is significantly reduced because the four best third-placed sides will also qualify.

Hosts and Standings Implications

The hosts, Australia, are now ranked seventh in the world, meaning they would miss out on a top seed and might meet either the Springboks, the All Blacks, the Irish, the French, England, or Argentina in their group. They could climb into the top six during a packed autumn schedule, though: England, the Italian side, Ireland, and France are their opponents, with a game against Japan in Tokyo also planned for 25 October.

Wales, on the other hand, are teetering in 12th, with Japan below, and the implications of falling to thirteenth and into pot three are potentially severe.

Americas Representation and Future Events

Another fresh aspect for the next World Cup is the participation of five teams from the Americas: Argentina, the Uruguayan side, the United States, the Canadian team, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly making it six. From World Rugby's perspective, engagement from the Americas is beneficial, particularly with the 2031 tournament set to be staged by the United States, and the selection process for the 2035 edition was initiated last month.

Current Focus

First things first, though. The return match of Brazil v Paraguay prepares a four-way Dubai shootout, along with a possible rankings shake-up across the European nations in November. Regardless of how things pan out, Chile's successful qualification for a second Rugby World Cup has undoubtedly made them as a resounding triumphant example.