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As many fans in the UK focus on club early-season performances or debate upcoming autumn internationals, the contest for World Cup 2027 qualifying continues at full pace.

Chile's Remarkable Achievement

Chile secured their second consecutive appearance at the competition with a stunning qualifying win over Samoa last month, leaving one remaining spot to be claimed for the host nation in two years. Meanwhile, Paraguay stunned Brazil by twenty points in the opening match of their qualifying series.

The return match takes place this Saturday in the Brazilian city, close to São Paulo, while Brazil's squad aims to follow their women's success and qualify for the first occasion.

Upcoming Qualifying Showdown

Whether Paraguay manages a shock overall win, or Brazil recovers following manager Emiliano Caffera's recent dismissal, the lineup for next month's Dubai qualification tournament will then be finalized. The Namibian team, Belgium, and Samoa are already confirmed spots for the Dubai-based competition from 8-18 November.

Worldwide Qualifying Developments

Several additional nations have also secured their spots. Hong Kong China sealed first-time World Cup entry after beating Korea 70-22 in July, and the Zimbabwean squad will return to the sport's premier tournament for the first time in over three decades by virtue of claiming victory in the African championship.

Chile's Growing Profile

The knock-on effect of Chile's playoff success means that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first occasion in November during the fall test series, replacing Samoa who must compete in the Dubai tournament.

The global governing body's chief executive described Chile an "thrilling and fast-emerging force" in confirming the upcoming match in the Italian city. While domestic rugby promotional efforts seek increased attendance, Chilean rugby is buoyant. A capacity crowd of more than twenty thousand witnessed the playoff victory in the coastal city, and head coach the national coach has led the team on an upward trajectory since his appointment in recent years.

Coach's Impressive Career

The fifty-year-old former Uruguayan forward has been making an impact for decades: recruited by Bristol in the 1990s, he memorably ran straight through the English defense to touch down at the 2003 global tournament.

His influence as national coach has been equally significant: Chile have risen to 17th, their highest-ever position. During the last World Cup in France, they were beaten in all matches, allowing over two hundred points and registering twenty-seven, including a 71-0 loss to England.

However, they confidently found the positives, and following the tournament draw in Australia on December 3rd, the coach can begin planning seriously. They hosted Scotland previously, losing 52-11 in front of 24,000 supporters, and although they were defeated across two legs by the Uruguayan side in the first 2027 playoff, they achieved a 21-18 win on the road in the Uruguayan capital.

Samoa's Qualification Struggle

The Samoan team, in contrast, have not missed all World Cup since 1991, but are currently languishing in sixteenth position in the men's rankings. They were winless in this year's regional tournament, resulting in qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the requirement to meet nations such as Belgium brings further challenge for the rugby-loving country.

Tournament Format Changes

Beyond individual nations' 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 round of 16 with six pools of four instead of four pools of five. Group phase jeopardy is much lower because the four best third-placed sides will additionally qualify.

Host Nation and Standings Consequences

The organizers, Australia, are currently ranked seventh in the world, which means they would fall short on a top seed and might face one of South Africa, the All Blacks, Ireland, France, England, or the Pumas in Pool A. They could rise into the highest seeds during a packed autumn schedule, however: the English team, Italy, the Irish squad, and the French team are their fixtures, with a game versus Japan in the capital also scheduled for October 25th.

The Welsh team, on the other hand, are teetering in 12th, with the Japanese side behind, and the consequences of dropping to thirteenth and into pot three are potentially severe.

Americas Representation and Future Tournaments

An additional new dimension for the next World Cup is the participation of five teams from the Americas: the Argentine team, Uruguay, USA, Canada, and the Chilean squad – with Paraguay or Brazil potentially becoming the sixth. From World Rugby's viewpoint, engagement from the Americas is positive, particularly with the 2031 World Cup scheduled to be hosted by the United States, and the selection process for the 2035 tournament was launched recently.

Current Focus

First things first, though. The return match of Brazil versus Paraguay prepares a four-way qualifying contest, along with a potential rankings shake-up across Europe in November. Regardless of how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already made them as a resounding success story.