More nations qualify for RWC2027 in Australia
NEWS: Canada and Uruguay are the latest nations to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Canada joins Fiji, Tonga & Japan as the fourth nation from the Pacific region to secure their place at the event, following Japan’s win against the USA (47-21) in the Pacific Nations Cup.
With a convincing win over rivals USA 34-20 in Calgary in Week One, and a defeat to Japan in Week Two in Sendai of 57-15, Canada’s strong start of their PNC campaign was enough to finish second in Pool B and secure a spot in the semifinals together with Japan.
This year’s edition of the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 not only crowns a regional champion but also serves as a pivotal pathway to the expanded 24-team Rugby World Cup in 2027. With Fiji and Japan already pre-qualified from RWC 2023, the three best non-qualified teams secure direct passage to Australia 2027.
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Canada’s ticket to Australia is booked 🎟️
They will return to the Men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time since 2019 🇨🇦#RWC2027 pic.twitter.com/sCAW6r95Bq
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 7, 2025
Being a consistent participant in all editions of the World Cup, missing only the 2023 tournament in France. They will aim to replicate history in Australia by reaching the knockout phase, a feat they last achieved in 1991. Canada becomes the 21st team to secure their spot for rugby’s pinnacle competition and will take part in their 10th men’s Rugby World Cup.
Canada’s focus now turns to the semifinals of the Pacific Nations Cup, to be held in Denver, Colorado, next weekend. With their primary objective, the team remains focused on advancing further in the tournament where they will face Fiji.
With a current ranking of 24th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, Canada will also turn their attention to the RWC 2027 Draw, scheduled to take place in December 2025, where they will learn the identity of their pool-stage opponents.
The USA will now turn their attention to Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup fifth-place play-off on 14 September, a clash that offers them a second chance to secure qualification for the World Cup.
*Meanwhile, Uruguay have secured their place at the World Cup after defeating Chile over two legs of the Sudamericano 2025 final (46-35 on aggregate). Los Teros will now prepare to return to rugby’s biggest stage, continuing their proud tradition at the sport’s pinnacle event.
Having carried a 12-point lead from the first leg in Santiago (28-16), Uruguay sealed qualification despite losing to Chile in Montevideo (18-21), overcoming their South American rivals 46-35 on aggregate to confirm their spot at Australia 2027. This result ensures Los Teros will appear at their sixth Rugby World Cup, underlining their consistency as one of the region’s leading rugby nations.
The Sudamericano final not only crowns the champion of South America but also provides a direct pathway into the expanded 24-team Rugby World Cup in 2027. With Argentina already pre-qualified from RWC 2023, Uruguay’s victory makes them the second South American nation to book their place at the tournament.
Meanwhile, Chile will prepare to face the team that finishes lowest in the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 in a two-legged South America/Pacific Play-off later this month (20 and 27 September) for a second chance to qualify for RWC 2027.
