League: Rugby World Cup Sport: Rugby Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Rugby World Cup set to feature record 24 teams in Australia

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 3:48 AM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

Rugby World Cup set to feature record 24 teams in Australia

Summary

The Rugby World Cup, the largest to date, will begin on October 1, 2027, in Australia, featuring 24 teams across six weeks. There is significant demand for the 52-match tournament, with over 750,000 pre-sale tickets sold. South Africa, aiming to defend their title, will compete alongside New Zealand, Australia, and other traditional rivals. The tournament will be played in seven Australian cities, with a new format of six pools of four teams each. The competition’s structure allows for a round of 16, leading to knockout stages, including a final at Stadium Australia on November 13.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Tournament begins October 1, 2027, across seven cities.
•24 teams will compete, a record for the Rugby World Cup.
•Significant ticket demand with over 750,000 pre-sales.
•South Africa seeks to defend its title against traditional rivals.
•New tournament format includes six pools and a round of 16.

Latest Updates

3:48 AMYahoo Sports — Countdown begins to biggest-ever Rugby World Cup

What they're saying

"
Rugby's biggest World Cup kicks off in 12 months with a record 24 teams clashing over six weeks in Australia, and ominous back-to-back champions South Africa are already staking their claim to another title.Only four teams have won the World Cup -- South Africa (4), New Zealand (3), Australia (2), England (1) -- and the dominant Springboks are again favourites.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Rugby World Cup Rugby