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England together with their Welsh counterparts have been drawn in an identical group for the World Cup in 2027, promising a highly-anticipated early encounter in the tournament Down Under. Completing the group in Pool F by Tonga and Zimbabwe.

This pairing echoes their famous meeting in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where a Welsh win at Twickenham contributed to the English team's shock group stage elimination.

Key Group Pairings

The Irish and the Scots have likewise been drawn in a pool once again, just as the scenario from the France 2023 tournament. On that occasion, Ireland secured a convincing win, with Scotland failing to progress to the quarter-finals.

Los Teros and Portugal, both impressed as surprise packages in the last World Cup, round out that Pool D.

Significantly, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet holders and top-ranked South Africa before the showpiece match, presuming the Springboks top their assigned pool.

Knockout Implications

If the groups conclude in line with the current global standings, further top favourites like New Zealand and Les Bleus would also be kept apart from the likes of England and Ireland all the way to the championship decider.

In that scenario, Argentina would be the other top-ranked nation on the same half of the knockout draw as those northern hemisphere teams.

Hosts Draw Major Opener

Tournament hosts Australia have been drawn alongside their trans-Tasman rivals and triple champions the All Blacks in Pool A.

The Wallabies will kick off the World Cup in Perth on 1 October 2027 in a marquee match aimed at jump-start the event.

In other groups, reigning champions South Africa have drawn the Azzurri, the Lelos and the Oaks. The French team are in a pool with the Brave Blossoms, 2031 hosts the USA and Manu Samoa.

Larger Format for 2027

Argentina will take on Fiji, Spain and Canada as the World Cup grows to twenty-four nations from the 20 who took part in France.

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

While the winner of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the game's biggest beasts initially, they will have to face the runner-up from Group B – probably Italy – in the last 16.

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

RWC 2027 Groups

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