Dubai to stage final Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifier in November 2025

DUBAI: The road to Rugby World Cup 2027 will culminate in Dubai, with the UAE city set to host the Final Qualification Tournament at The Sevens Stadium from Nov. 8-18, 2025.

The event will decide the 24th and final team to secure a spot at the expanded global showpiece in Australia.

Four teams will compete in a round-robin format across three match days, with the highest-ranked side at the end of the tournament booking their place at the World Cup. Belgium is the first nation confirmed for the Dubai qualifier, having finished fifth in the 2025 Rugby Europe Championship.

The remaining three teams will emerge from ongoing regional qualification campaigns, including the Rugby Africa Cup, Asia Rugby Championship, Sudamerica Rugby Championship, and the Pacific Nations Cup. Representing four continents, the participants will highlight the global reach and growing competitiveness of the sport.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson welcomed Dubai’s selection as host of the final qualifier, describing the tournament as a pivotal point in the international rugby calendar.

“The Final Qualification Tournament is always a thrilling, do-or-die moment in the build-up to Rugby World Cup — and it’s fitting that we bring it to a world-class destination like Dubai,” Robinson said.

He added: “As we head toward the most inclusive and globally representative tournament ever, with 24 teams competing in an expanded format and at least one nation from each of our regional associations, this final step on the ‘Journey to Australia 2027’ will be a celebration of ambition, resilience and the global spirit of rugby. We cannot wait to see which team earns the final place and joins us for what promises to be a unique celebration of rugby and