Dubai, UAE (November 18, 2025) Samoa have booked their ticket to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, becoming the 24th and final team to qualify for the expanded tournament after a dramatic 13-13 draw with Belgium in the last match of the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai on Tuesday.
The result was enough for Samoa to top the tournament standings, securing the last available spot for Rugby’s showcase event to be held in Australia.
Following impressive opening victories against Brazil and Namibia, the world number #17 Manu Samoa entered their final contest against Belgium knowing that a draw would be sufficient to clinch qualifying. Favorites, Samoa was able to hold off a determined Belgium squad who was determined to take the Black Devils to their first ever Rugby World Cup.
For Samoa the 2027 tournament in Australia will mark their 10th appearance, having participated in every edition since 1991.
With qualification secured, Samoa’s focus now shifts to the Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw, where they will discover their pool opponents.
When: 3 December
Time: 20:00 AEDT (GMT+11)
Where: Sydney, Australia
The Rugby World Cup 2027 is set to usher in a new era for the sport:
Dates: 1 October – 13 November, 2027
Teams: The tournament has expanded to 24 teams.
Format: It will feature six pools of four, followed by a Round of 16 for the first time.
Samoa’s successful qualification also confirms their participation in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, scheduled to kick off in 2026. This new 12-team competition is designed to provide unprecedented fixture certainty and crucial preparation for the teams ahead of RWC 2027.
Manu Samoa will join Canada, Chile, Georgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Tonga, Uruguay, USA, and Zimbabwe in the competition.