Overview
- World Rugby conducted the draw in Sydney, setting six pools for the first 24-team tournament that adds a Round of 16 with four best third-placed teams advancing.
- Pool A features hosts Australia with New Zealand alongside Chile and Hong Kong China, creating a marquee trans-Tasman showdown in the group stage.
- Defending champions South Africa landed in Pool B with Italy, Georgia and Romania, with a possible quarter-final against New Zealand forecast if top seeds progress as expected.
- England will face Wales in Pool F with Tonga and Zimbabwe, France drew Japan, the United States and Samoa in Pool E, Ireland will meet Scotland with Uruguay and Portugal in Pool D, and Argentina heads Pool C with Fiji, Spain and Canada.
- The tournament runs from 1 October to 13 November 2027 across seven Australian cities including Perth and Sydney, with the fixture list due on 3 February 2026 and ticket presales scheduled to start on 18 February.