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England and Wales have been drawn in the same group for the World Cup in 2027, setting up a major early clash in Australia. Completing the group in Pool F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and Zimbabwe.

This pairing mirrors their memorable clash in the pool stages of the 2015 World Cup, where a Welsh win at England's home ground contributed to the hosts' shock early exit.

Other Notable Group Pairings

The Irish and Scotland also share a pool together, replicating the scenario from the France 2023 tournament. On that occasion, Ireland claimed a convincing victory, with their opponents unable to advance to the knockout stages.

Uruguay and Portugal, both made a strong impression as surprise packages in France, complete that Pool D.

Significantly, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F are kept apart from holders and top-ranked the Springboks until the final, assuming the Springboks top their assigned pool.

Tournament Ramifications

Should the groups conclude according to the current global standings, further leading contenders like New Zealand and France would remain separated from the likes of the English and the Irish all the way to the championship decider.

In that scenario, Los Pumas would be the remaining top-ranked nation on that side of the knockout draw as England and Ireland.

Hosts Draw Blockbuster Opener

Hosts Australia find themselves alongside their great rivals and triple champions New Zealand in Pool A.

The Wallabies will kick off the tournament in Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a blockbuster fixture aimed at launch the competition.

Elsewhere, reigning champions the Springboks have been paired with the Azzurri, Georgia and the Oaks. The French team are grouped with Japan, future hosts the United States and Samoa.

Expanded Tournament for 2027

Argentina will face the Flying Fijians, Los Leones and the Canadian team as the World Cup grows to twenty-four nations from the 20 who took part in 2023.

The 2027 tournament will feature a round of 16 stage for the very first time in the competition's existence.

While the victor of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the game's heavyweights initially, they will meet the second-placed team from Pool B – probably Italy – in the first knockout round.

Four of the remaining six group winners will face a third-placed side from the pool stages.

RWC 2027 Draw

Pool A

• New Zealand
• Australia
• Chile
• Hong Kong

Pool B

• South Africa
• Italy
• Georgia
• Romania

Pool C

• Argentina
• Fiji
• Spain
• Canada

Pool D

• Ireland
• Scotland
• Uruguay
• Portugal

Pool E

• France
• Japan
• USA
• Samoa

Pool F

• England
• Wales
• Tonga
• Zimbabwe