World Cup 2026 Qualifying: What You Need to Know

Excitement is building as nations battle for a spot in the 2026 Rugby World Cup. If you’re wondering how the qualification works, which games matter most, and where you can follow the action, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll break down the format, flag the must‑watch fixtures, and give you a few tips on staying involved, whether you’re at home or cheering from the stands.

How the Qualification Process Is Structured

World Rugby has set up a clear pathway that gives every region a fair shot. First, the host nations – the United States, Canada and Mexico – automatically qualify, along with the top‑three finishers from the 2023 World Cup. That leaves 12 spots up for grabs.

Each regional union (Europe, Africa, Asia‑Pacific, Americas) runs its own qualifying tournament. Europe gets the most slots (seven), reflecting the depth of teams there. Africa, Asia‑Pacific, and the Americas each have two places, and the final spot comes from a global repechage tournament that brings together the best runners‑up.

The process is split into three rounds. Round 1 is a series of regional championships where lower‑ranked sides compete for a place in Round 2. Round 2 pits those winners against higher‑ranked nations in knockout ties. Winners of those ties move into Round 3, which decides the final qualifiers.

Key Dates and Matches to Watch

Here are the dates you don’t want to miss:

• June 2024: Europe’s Nations Cup begins – a crucial stepping stone for emerging teams.
• July 2024: African and Asian‑Pacific qualifiers kick off with home‑and‑away legs.
• September 2024: Americas qualifiers start, featuring a clash between USA, Canada and the Caribbean side that earned a surprise spot.
• February 2025: The global repechage tournament runs in Dubai, giving a last‑chance lifeline to teams that fell short in their regions.

One match you’ll definitely want to see is the showdown between Georgia and Romania in the European play‑offs. Both teams have been on a roll, and the winner secures a direct ticket to the World Cup. In the Pacific, Fiji faces Tonga for a spot that could see the island nations back‑to‑back at the tournament – a classic rivalry that never disappoints.

For Portsmouth Rugby Club fans, local pubs often host watch parties for these qualifiers. Keep an eye on our events calendar – we’ll have a big screen for the big games and a chance to meet fellow supporters.

Staying updated is easy. Follow World Rugby’s official channels, sign up for match alerts, and check our club’s news feed. If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket for a qualifier, you’ll get a taste of the intensity that defines World Cup rugby.

In short, the road to 2026 is packed with drama, surprise upsets, and plenty of chances to see your favorite side earn a place on the world stage. Keep this guide handy, mark the dates, and enjoy every tackle, try, and celebration along the way.