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On 3 December, the draw for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will take place, officially kicking off the countdown to the most expansive tournament in rugby history. With a new 24-team format and a Round of 16 added, fans can expect more matches, more drama, and a condensed 43-day competition hosted across Australia.
What Happened
World Rugby has unveiled key details about the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, including a brand-new structure for the expanded 24-team tournament. The tournament will kick off on 1 October 2027 at Perth Stadium, with Australia playing in the opening match.
A major change is the addition of a Round of 16, replacing the previous direct progression from pool stages to quarter-finals.
The draw for the pools takes place on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, live from Sydney, and will determine the matchups for the group stage.
Tournament Format & Key Changes
- 24 teams, up from 20 in previous editions
- 6 pools of 4 teams each
- Top 2 teams from each pool progress to Round of 16
- 4 best third-place teams also progress
- 52 matches in total (up from 48 in 2023)
- 5 rest days between matches to support player welfare
- Tournament runs for 43 days (shorter than 2023’s 50 days)
Teams will now play fewer pool matches, but fans get more knockout games, balancing fairness and excitement.
Host Cities for RWC 2027
Matches will be hosted across seven Australian cities:
- Perth | Boorloo
- Sydney | Gadigal
- Melbourne | Narrm
- Brisbane | Meeanjin
- Adelaide | Tarntanya
- Townsville | Gurambilbarra
- Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi
Qualified Teams (So Far)
The top 12 finishers from Rugby World Cup 2023 have automatically qualified:
France, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, England, Argentina, Japan.
The following 11 teams have qualified through regional tournaments:
Georgia, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Tonga, Canada, USA, Uruguay, Chile, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong China.
The final spot will be decided at a qualification tournament in Dubai this November between Namibia, Belgium, Samoa, and the winner of Brazil vs Paraguay.
When Can You Get Tickets?
- February 2026: Closed presale for registered fans
- May 2026: Global application phase (with ballot system)
More ticket details and registration: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2027/en
Official Response
Brett Robinson, Chair of World Rugby, stated:
“Expanding to 24 teams is a landmark moment. It means more nations, more matches, and more opportunities for fans. The Round of 16 format delivers more knockout rugby and unforgettable moments.”
Community Impact
Fans around the world are already gearing up. The expanded format means more countries can participate, potentially opening the door for Zimbabwe and Hong Kong China to shine on the global stage.
The even distribution of matches across cities also ensures that rugby fever reaches every corner of Australia, from Perth to Sydney.
FAQs
- When is the Rugby World Cup 2027?
It begins on 1 October 2027 and runs for 43 days.
- How many teams will participate?
24 teams, up from 20 in previous tournaments.
- What’s new in the format?
A Round of 16 has been added as the first knockout stage. Also, six pools of four teams replace the previous four pools of five.
- How can I get tickets?
Register at rugbyworldcup.com/2027 for the presale in February 2026. General applications open in May 2026.
- Where will the draw be broadcast?
The draw will air on Channel Nine (Australia) and globally via RugbyPass TV.
