The Rugby World Cup 2027 pool stage features 24 teams in six pools of four. A total of 36 matches in the preliminary phase qualify 16 teams for the Round of 16. A new format for the 11th edition.
For the first time in Rugby World Cup history, the 2027 tournament organises its pool stage with six pools of four teams, instead of four pools of five used in editions from 1999 to 2023. The change brings 24 teams into the tournament — four more than in 2023 — without stretching the schedule excessively. Each team plays three pool matches (down from four), with a tightened calendar across four weekends.
The 24 teams have been drawn into six pools labelled A to F, using a seeding system based on the World Rugby rankings. Each pool contains at least one nation from the "world top 6" plus a team coming through regional qualifying, to ensure a balanced contest.
The standard rugby points system applies:
After the three pool matches, the pool standings are based on total points, then (in case of a tie) head-to-head result, points difference, tries scored, cards, and finally World Rugby ranking.
The top two in each pool (12 teams) plus the four best third-placed teams (according to a consolidated cross-pool standings) progress to the Round of 16, for a total of 16 teams. The Round of 16 then pits these 16 teams in straight knockout matches on 23-24 October 2027.
The 36 pool matches are spread from 1 October to 18 October 2027, around three weeks in total. Four weekends and a handful of midweek matches see out the preliminary phase, allowing teams to recover between games.
The exact composition of the six pools and the detailed schedule of the 36 preliminary-stage matches will be published here as soon as they are confirmed by World Rugby and the Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia organising committee. For each fixture you will find:
In the meantime, see the Rugby World Cup 2027 overview for key information (qualified teams, stadiums, key dates) and the host cities page to start planning a potential trip.
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Four teams per pool. Six pools in total (A to F), for 24 teams in the tournament.
Each team plays three pool matches (one match against each of the other three teams in their pool).
The top two in each pool (12 teams) plus the four best third-placed teams in the consolidated standings (4 teams) qualify. That is 16 teams in total for the Round of 16.
6 pools × 6 matches (each team plays 3, so 6 possible match-ups in a pool of 4) = 36 matches in the preliminary phase. Plus 16 knockout matches makes 52 in total.