Pool A: Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Hong Kong China

The tournament hosts have landed a blockbuster opening pool.

Australia and New Zealand will renew their famous rivalry, with the All Blacks among the favourites to challenge for the trophy.

Chile and Hong Kong China complete the group, with both facing a huge challenge against two of rugby's traditional heavyweights.

Pool B: South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania

The defending champions will fancy their chances of topping Pool B.

South Africa face Italy again, while Georgia and Romania complete a group featuring four physical European and African sides.

Italy have made impressive progress under Gonzalo Quesada, but overcoming the four-time world champions would represent a major upset.

Georgia will also be determined to prove they can compete with established Six Nations opposition.

Pool C: Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada

Argentina and Fiji look set to battle for top spot in one of the tournament's most entertaining groups.

Los Pumas reached the semi-finals in 2023, while Fiji have built a reputation for causing problems for rugby's biggest nations.

Spain and Canada complete the pool, with both hoping to make their mark on the expanded tournament.

Pool D: Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal

Two familiar Six Nations rivals will meet again in Australia.

Ireland and Scotland headline Pool D, having also been drawn together at the 2023 World Cup.

Portugal and Uruguay complete the group, with both capable of making life uncomfortable for more established nations.

Portugal famously recorded their first World Cup victory against Fiji in 2023.

Pool E: France, Japan, USA, Samoa

France will be favourites to progress from Pool E, but they face an interesting mix of opponents.

Japan famously stunned South Africa in 2015 and Ireland in 2019, proving they can deliver on the biggest stage.

Samoa bring plenty of physicality, while the USA will be eager to impress ahead of hosting the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

Pool F: England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

England and Wales will renew their rivalry at the World Cup after being drawn together in Pool F.

Steve Borthwick's side will be favourites to finish top, although Wales will be desperate to prove a point.

Tonga provide another physical challenge, while Zimbabwe return to the tournament for the first time since 1991.

It promises to be a fascinating group, particularly with England and Wales meeting on the world stage.

How the 2027 Rugby World Cup works

The tournament will feature 24 nations for the first time, an increase from the previous 20-team format.

The top two sides from each pool will qualify for the round of 16, alongside the four best third-placed teams.

That means the eventual champions will need to navigate an additional knockout match.

The competition begins on 1 October 2027, with the final scheduled for 13 November in Sydney.

South Africa will arrive chasing a record fifth Webb Ellis Cup, having won the previous two tournaments.