🔗 Share this article South American Rugby Success Stories Fuel Men's World Cup Qualifying Race While numerous fans in the UK focus on club season-opening fortunes or debate upcoming fall test matches, the battle for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification continues unabated. Chile's Historic Achievement Chile secured their back-to-back appearance at the competition with a stunning qualifying win against Samoa last month, leaving only a single place left up for grabs for the host nation by 2027. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan side stunned Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their playoff. The return match is scheduled this Saturday in Jacareí, close to São Paulo, as Brazil's men's team aims to emulate their women's achievement and secure qualification for the first occasion. Forthcoming Qualification Showdown Whether Paraguay completes a shock overall victory, or Brazil bounces back following manager Emiliano Caffera's departure, the participants for next month's qualifying event in Dubai will be confirmed. The Namibian team, the Belgian squad, and the Samoan side are already confirmed their places for the Middle Eastern showdown from 8-18 November. Global Qualification Developments Many other teams have likewise earned their spots. The Hong Kong China team achieved maiden qualification after defeating Korea by a large margin in July, and the Zimbabwean squad will make a comeback to the sport's most prestigious stage for the first occasion since 1991 by virtue of winning the African championship. Chile's Rising Reputation The knock-on effect of Chile's qualifying triumph ensures that Los Condores will face Italy for the first occasion next month during the autumn internationals, replacing Samoa who must compete in Dubai. The global governing body's CEO described Chile an "exciting and rapidly rising force" in announcing the upcoming match in the Italian city. While domestic the sport promotional efforts aim for increased attendance, rugby in Chile is buoyant. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 witnessed the qualifying win in the coastal city, and head coach the national coach has guided the squad on an improving path since his appointment in 2018. Coach's Impressive Career The fifty-year-old ex- Uruguay international prop has been making an impact for many years: signed by Bristol in the 1990s, he famously broke through the English defense to score at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His impact as national coach has been similarly significant: Chile have risen to 17th, their highest-ever ranking. During the last World Cup in Europe, they were beaten in all matches, conceding 215 points and registering 27, including a heavy loss to the English team. Nevertheless, they proudly took the positives, and after the 2027 draw in Australia on 3 December, Lemoine can begin planning seriously. They hosted the Scottish team previously, defeated by a significant margin in front of twenty-four thousand supporters, and while they were defeated across both matches by the Uruguayan side in the initial 2027 playoff, they managed a narrow win on the road in the Uruguayan capital. Samoa's Qualifying Challenge The Samoan team, in contrast, have participated in all World Cup for decades, but are presently languishing in 16th position in the global rankings. They were without a victory in the recent regional tournament, leading to qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the need to meet teams like Belgium brings further challenge for the rugby-loving country. Competition Structural Updates Beyond individual nations' performances, it is important to consider how different the expanded competition will appear in the next edition. For the first time, there will be a round of 16 with six pools of four teams rather than four groups of five. Group phase jeopardy is significantly reduced because the four best third-placed sides will additionally qualify. Host Nation and Rankings Implications The organizers, Australia, are now ranked seventh in the world, meaning they would fall short on a top seed and could face either the Springboks, the All Blacks, the Irish, France, the English, or the Pumas in Pool A. They could rise into the highest seeds during a packed autumn schedule, however: the English team, the Italian side, Ireland, and the French team are their opponents, with a game versus Japan in the capital also planned for October 25th. Wales, on the other hand, are teetering in 12th, with the Japanese side behind, and the consequences of falling to 13th and into pot three are potentially severe. American Presence and Upcoming Events Another fresh aspect for the next World Cup is the presence of five nations from the American continent: the Argentine team, Uruguay, the United States, Canada, and the Chilean squad – with either Paraguay or Brazil potentially becoming the sixth. From the governing body's perspective, American interest is positive, particularly with the 2031 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, and the selection process for the 2035 edition was initiated recently. Current Priority For now, however. The return match of Brazil versus Paraguay sets up a four-way Dubai shootout, combined with a potential rankings shake-up across Europe in November. Regardless of how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already made them as a resounding success story.