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As numerous fans in the UK concentrate on their clubs' season-opening fortunes or discuss upcoming fall test matches, the battle for World Cup 2027 qualifying rages on at full pace.

Chile's Historic Achievement

Chile secured their back-to-back spot at the tournament with a stunning qualifying win against Samoa last month, leaving only a single place left to be claimed for the host nation in two years. At the same time, Paraguay stunned Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their qualifying series.

The second leg takes place on Saturday in the Brazilian city, near São Paulo, as Brazil's squad aims to follow their women's success and secure qualification for the first occasion.

Forthcoming Qualification Showdown

Regardless of Paraguay manages a shock overall victory, or Brazil recovers after manager Emiliano Caffera's recent dismissal, the lineup for next month's Dubai qualification tournament will be confirmed. Namibia, the Belgian squad, and Samoa are already confirmed spots for the Middle Eastern showdown from 8-18 November.

Global Qualification Updates

Many additional nations have likewise secured their spots. Hong Kong China sealed first-time World Cup entry following beating Korea by a large margin in July, and Zimbabwe will make a comeback to the sport's most prestigious stage for the first time in over three decades after winning the African championship.

Chile's Growing Reputation

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

The global governing body's CEO described Chile an "thrilling and rapidly rising force" in announcing the upcoming fixture in Genoa. As domestic rugby markets aim for increased attendance, Chilean rugby is thriving. A capacity crowd of more than twenty thousand saw the playoff victory in the coastal city, and head coach the national coach has guided the squad on an improving path since his appointment in recent years.

Manager's Impressive Legacy

The 50-year-old former Uruguayan forward has been making an impact for many years: signed by the English club in the 1990s, he famously ran straight through the English defensive line to score at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

His impact as national coach has been equally significant: Chile have risen to 17th, their best ranking. During the last tournament in Europe, they were defeated in all matches, conceding 215 points and registering twenty-seven, featuring a 71-0 defeat against the English team.

However, they proudly found the positive aspects, and after the tournament draw in Australia on December 3rd, the coach can start preparations seriously. They hosted the Scottish team last year, defeated by a significant margin before twenty-four thousand fans, and although they were beaten over both matches by the Uruguayan side in the initial qualifying round, they managed a 21-18 away victory in Montevideo.

Samoa's Qualifying Challenge

The Samoan team, in contrast, have not missed all Rugby World Cup since 1991, but are currently languishing in 16th place in the global rankings. They were without a victory in this year's regional tournament, resulting in playoff misery versus Chile, and the requirement to meet nations such as Belgium adds further challenge for the rugby-loving country.

Tournament Structural Updates

Beyond specific teams' performances, it is important to consider how different the expanded competition will look in the next edition. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six groups of four instead of four groups of five. Pool-stage jeopardy is much lower because the four best third-placed sides will also advance.

Hosts and Rankings Implications

The hosts, the Australian team, are now ranked seventh in the global rankings, which means they would miss out on top seeding and might meet one of South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, the French, the English, or the Pumas in Pool A. They could climb into the highest seeds during a packed autumn schedule, however: the English team, Italy, Ireland, and France are their opponents, with a match versus the Japanese team in Tokyo also planned for 25 October.

Wales, on the other hand, are balanced in 12th, with the Japanese side below, and the implications of falling to thirteenth and into pot three are possibly significant.

Americas Presence and Future Tournaments

An additional new dimension for 2027 is the participation of five teams from the Americas: the Argentine team, Uruguay, the United States, the Canadian team, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly becoming the sixth. From World Rugby's perspective, American interest is beneficial, especially with the 2031 tournament scheduled to be hosted by the USA, and the host selection for the 2035 edition was launched last month.

Current Priority

First things first, though. The second installment of Brazil v Paraguay prepares a four-team qualifying contest, combined with a possible standings change throughout the European nations in the coming month. Regardless of the outcome, Chile's successful qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already made them as a clear triumphant example.