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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Luke McLaughlin

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027: how the draw will work and the new format explained

All Blacks v Uruguay in the pool stage in 2023; South Africa winning the World Cup in 2023; Australia's Rob Valetini.
All Blacks v Uruguay in the pool stage in 2023; South Africa winning the World Cup in 2023; Australia's Rob Valetini. Composite: Guardian Picture Desk

How big will the Australia 2027 tournament be?

Kicking off on 1 October 2027, the men’s event will feature 24 teams instead of 20, and will be the first to include a round of 16. Each tournament since 2003 has included 20 competing nations, and the previous format moved straight from the pool stage to the quarter-finals. There will be a total of 52 matches in 2027, up from 48.

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