So, who\u2019s in pole position? Who are the underdogs? And which players should you keep an eye on?<\/p>\n
SAMOA A never-ending rollercoaster \u2014 that\u2019s been Samoa\u2019s story in recent years. After a promising World Cup showing, the Manu Samoa faltered in both the Pacific Nations Cup (6th place) and the Pacific\u2013South America playoff, missing out on automatic qualification for 2027.<\/p>\n The post-2023 departure of several big-name stars exposed squad depth issues, limiting Tusi Pisi\u2019s ability to manage injuries and player availability.<\/p>\n Still, there\u2019s enough talent to mount a serious push, with Alamanda Motuga<\/a>, Abraham Papali\u2019i, Christian Leali\u2019ifano, Michael Ala\u2019alatoa and Connor Tupai<\/a> all central to their cause. Samoa\u2019s chances rise sharply if key players like scrum-half Jonathan Taumateine<\/a>, USA<\/a> Perpignan<\/a> centre Duncan Paia\u2019aua and hooker Sama Malolo<\/a> return to the fold.<\/p>\n Although Samoa have never lost to any of their Final Qualification Tournament rivals, they\u2019ll need to rediscover their spark and self-belief to avoid any shocks come November. Replicate last year\u2019s effort against Italy, and qualification looks likely.<\/p>\n Player to watch: Castres\u2019 Abraham Papali\u2019i is one of the fiercest operators in the Top 14. Since his debut for Samoa, the bruising No.8 has made an instant impact \u2014 a wrecking ball with offload flair and a knack for unlocking defences.<\/p>\n NAMIBIA After years of dominance in the Africa Rugby Cup, Namibia<\/a> finally surrendered the title to Zimbabwe, missing out on direct qualification for the first time.<\/p>\n Following the loss of their head coach in July and a string of underwhelming Test windows, the Welwitschias have endured a turbulent post-World Cup period.<\/p>\n Interim coach Jacques Burger now leads the rebuild, intent on restoring pride and securing a vital qualification. To do so, Namibia need the experience of Johan Deysel<\/a>, Torsten van Jaarsveld and Tiaan Swanepoel<\/a>, alongside a sharper set-piece and counter-attacking structure.<\/p>\n Despite losing Gerswin Mouton<\/a> to injury, Namibia retain enough firepower to challenge Belgium<\/a> and Brazil \u2014 but can they find a way past Samoa?<\/p>\n The African side have never beaten the Pacific islanders, but with Burger at the helm, this could be the year if they rediscover their edge in time for kick-off.<\/p>\n Player to watch: Wian Conradie defines \u201ctough as nails\u201d. The 31-year-old loose forward relishes contact, built on big tackles and bruising carries. If he hits form, expect mayhem \u2014 every collision will count.<\/p>\n BELGIUM Nearly two years on from their shock win over Portugal, Belgium have emerged as a genuine fifth force in the Rugby Europe hierarchy.<\/p>\n After years of rebuilding, the Diables Noirs now boast a squad capable of pushing Portugal<\/a> and Romania, while dispatching the Netherlands<\/a> to reach this qualification tournament.<\/p>\n Head coach Laurent Doussat can call on RC Vannes<\/a> forward Charlesty Berguet<\/a>, Stade Toulousain\u2019s Matias Remue<\/a>, AS B\u00e9ziers-H\u00e9rault\u2019s William van Bost and Gillian Benoy<\/a> \u2014 a mix of youth and power.<\/p>\n Can they upset Samoa or Namibia? They\u2019ve never beaten either, but Belgium\u2019s ability to create chaos around the breakdown and weaponise the set-piece has frustrated better sides.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a simple formula, but it\u2019s worked \u2014 as Portugal, the Netherlands and Canada<\/a> can all testify. Samoa and Namibia would be wise not to underestimate them.<\/p>\n Player to watch: Matias Remue is among the most exciting U21 backs in emerging rugby nations. The Stade Toulousain utility back has a rare knack for creating something from nothing, his pace and handling already lighting up Belgian wins over the Netherlands and Canada in 2025.<\/p>\n BRAZIL A twist of fate sees Brazil replace Paraguay<\/a> in the Final Qualification Tournament following the Yacar\u00e9s\u2019 withdrawal. So, how will the Tupis fare in November?<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a turbulent few months for Brazil. After parting ways with head coach Emiliano Caffera<\/a>, they suffered a heavy defeat to Paraguay \u2014 a result that raised serious questions about their direction.<\/p>\n Even so, the Tupis are experts at playing the underdog card when expectations are low. They can spring surprises if they can rebuild their set-piece into a reliable weapon. Former Western Force<\/a> prop Will Rebolo and back-rower Caique Segura are key figures up front and will have to lead the charge at scrum and lineout time.<\/p>\n
Player to watch: Abraham Papali\u2019i (Castres)
Captain: Michael Ala\u2019alatoa (Clermont)
Head coach: Tusi Pisi<\/a> (Samoa)
World Cup appearances: Nine<\/p>\n
Player to watch: Wian Conradie<\/a> (New England<\/a> Free Jacks)
Captain: Prince ?Gaoseb
Head coach: Jacques Burger<\/a> (Namibia)
World Cup appearances: Seven<\/p>\n![\"Rugby](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-1704495271.jpg.webp\")
Prince !Gaoseb of Namibia looks dejected at full-time following the Rugby World Cup France<\/a> 2023 match between Uruguay<\/a> and Namibia at Parc Olympique on September 27, 2023 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Livesey\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Player to watch: Matias Remue<\/a> (Stade Toulousain)
Captain: Jens Torfs<\/a> (Barbezieux)
Head coach: Laurent Doussat (Belgium)
World Cup appearances: None<\/p>\n
Player to watch: Carlo Mignot<\/a> (Biarritz)
Captain: Cl\u00e9ber Dias (Cobras XV)
Head coach: Josh Reeves<\/a> (Brazil)
World Cup appearances: None<\/p>\n![\"Rugby](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Paraguay-vs-Brazil-pic-2.jpg.webp\")
Credit: URP (Union De Rugby Del Paraguay)<\/p>\n