Rugby World Cup 2027 Format and Fixtures
The 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia is the first under a new, expanded format. Here is how it is structured, and what the changes mean when you bet.
The 2027 format
Australia hosts 24 teams — up from 20 — drawn into six pools of four. The top two from each pool, plus the four best third-placed teams, advance to a round of 16. From there it is straight knockout: round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final. The expanded field means more pool matches and a longer path to the trophy than previous tournaments.
What the format means for betting
More teams means more mismatches in the pools, which is where the handicap and total points markets come into their own. The new round of 16 adds an extra knockout stage — more 'to qualify' markets and more chances for an upset to shake up the Rugby World Cup outright odds. See the Rugby World Cup guide for the full markets.
Frequently asked questions
How many teams are at the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
Twenty-four, up from 20, drawn into six pools of four, with the top two from each pool plus the four best third-placed teams reaching a round of 16.
Where is the 2027 Rugby World Cup held?
Australia hosts the 2027 tournament in late 2027, the first under the expanded 24-team format.