The expanded 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup will feature a round of 16 for the first time, with the Wallabies to kick off the showpiece event in Perth.
A total of 24 nations — up from the previous 20 — will compete in the six-week tournament, which begins on October 1, 2027 and concludes on November 13.
There will be six pools consisting of four teams each, with the top two from each group plus the four best third-placed teams qualifying for the knockout phase.
In previous World Cups, the quarterfinals marked the start of the knockout phase, but the expanded nature of 2027 means there will now be a last-16 phase for the first time.
The tournament draw will be held on December 3, with all 24 nations to find out their pool opponents.
The Wallabies currently sit seventh in the rankings, and will be desperate to rise into the top six in order to avoid facing a heavyweight nation in the pool stage.
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson said expanding the World Cup to 24 teams was a “landmark moment for our sport”.
“It means more nations, more matches, and more opportunities for fans around the world to connect with rugby,” Robinson said.
“The introduction of a round of 16 will deliver even more knockout rugby, ensuring every match counts and every team has the chance to make history.
“Importantly, we’ve been able to achieve this within a streamlined tournament window that protects player welfare while enhancing the spectacle.
“This is a huge step forward for rugby and a reflection of the game’s global growth.”
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Townsville will all host World Cup games.
Sydney will host both the semifinals and the final.
Perth’s Optus Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, will launch the World Cup, with the Wallabies’ opponent on the night to be determined after the Dec. 3 draw.
Chile became the 23rd nation to lock in a spot after defeating Samoa 31-12 in the South America/Pacific play-off on Saturday.
The 24th and last position will be determined at the Final Qualification Tournament, which will be held in Dubai from Nov. 8-18.
South Africa have won the past two World Cups, but their hopes of a three-peat are expected to receive a stern test from the likes of New Zealand, Ireland, England, France, Argentina, and Australia.
The Wallabies have enjoyed a resurgence under coach Joe Schmidt, but he will depart his role after Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks in Perth.
Les Kiss has already been named as his replacement.
