Dubai has been chosen as the host city for the Final Qualification Tournament for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, with matches taking place from 8 to 18 November 2025 at The Sevens Stadium along the Dubai-Al Ain Road. This marks a significant moment for UAE rugby, as the city stages a high-stakes tournament that will determine the 24th and final team to join the global rugby spectacle in Australia, scheduled for 1 October to 13 November 2027.
The tournament will feature one pool of four teams competing in a round-robin format with the winner, with only the top team securing the last coveted ticket to the World Cup. The format guarantees intense competition, as each match will be the last opportunity to reach rugby’s biggest stage.
Belgium is the first team to book its place in the qualifiers, having secured fifth position in the Rugby Europe Championship 2025. They will be joined by three more teams that will be confirmed through ongoing regional qualification games including the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, the Asia Rugby Championship 2025, the Sudamerica Rugby Championship, and the Pacific Nations Cup 2025.
Brett Robinson, chair of World Rugby, said, “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".
More details regarding the tickets and timing will announced shortly. For more information, visit the official website of Rugby World Cup 2027.