Argentina to Spain, Fiji, Canada in 2027 Rugby World Cup first phase

Argentina’s Pumas will face Spain, Fiji and Canada in the pool stage of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

In Wednesday’s draw in Sydney, hosts Australia were drawn in the same group as their neighbours the All Blacks, ensuring a massive clash in the first phase.

Argentina were one of the top seeds after qualifying as one of the top six in the world rankings, meaning they avoided facing the bigger teams placed in the first pot.

The Pumas dodged Australia, the main threat from Pot 2, but not Fiji, probably the second-strongest team they could have drawn.

If Argentina qualify as pool winners, they would face a third-placed team in the Round of 16 knockout (the best among groups A, E or F), with Ireland potentially looming in the quarter-finals, should things follow the world rankings.

Potential rivals in the semi-finals could be England or Australia. Assuming the hierarchy is respected, the Pumas would avoid facing South Africa and New Zealand until the final.

The Pumas, however, will have to get out of their pool first. Fiji will likely be the biggest test. Spain, knowing they are outranked by two bigger teams, will have to put everything on the line against Canada if they are to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, a feat that would likely reward them with a clash against the All Blacks.

Favourites in Pool A, New Zealand face Australia, Chile and debutants Hong Kong. The draw gives Los Cóndores a good chance of reaching the knock-out stages – provided they beat the Asian side. If they manage it, they could face Argentina.

Lady luck did not favour the other South American team in the tournament, Uruguay. Argentina’s neighbours found themselves placed in a balanced pool with Ireland, Scotland and Portugal – one of the surprises of the last World Cup in France two years ago.

Reigning world champions South Africa will face Italy, Romania and Georgia in the pool stage.

If there are no surprises in the tournament’s opening phase, a repeat final between the Springboks and the All Blacks is not on the cards. They could clash in an electrifying quarter-final.

The big winners of the draw are France. Les Bleus – who have never won the World Cup – have a manageable pool of Japan, the United States and Samoa. Qualify top and they would face the runners-up of Pool D, probably Scotland, followed by a manageable quarter-final and a challenger in the semi-finals.

The World Cup, to be held between October 1 and November 13, 2027, in Australia, will feature 24 teams for the first time, with the top two from each pool and the four best third-placed teams qualifying for the round of 16.