The path to Rugby World Cup glory in 2027 has been laid out for England, following the official tournament draw. Steve Borthwick's side have discovered their pool stage opponents and a potential knockout route that, on paper, offers a favourable run to the final.
Pool Stage: A Familiar Foe Awaits
England have been placed in Pool F for the 2027 tournament in Australia, where they will face a historic home nations rival. Wales are their headline pool opponents, alongside Tonga and Zimbabwe. England will be strong favourites to top this group, especially given their recent dominance over Wales, which includes a record win in Cardiff earlier this year.
The 2027 World Cup will be the first to feature an expanded 24-team format with a Round of 16. Should England finish first in Pool F as expected, they will avoid playing a best third-place team and will instead face the runner-up from Pool B.
Knockout Route: A Calculated Path to the Final
That Pool B runner-up is most likely to be Italy, who share a group with the reigning back-to-back world champions, South Africa. Victory in that probable last-16 tie would then set up a quarter-final clash, most likely against Australia.
The Wallabies, as hosts, are in Pool A with New Zealand and are tipped to finish second, leading to a knockout match with Japan. If they progress, England would then meet Australia in the quarters, a significant challenge given the home advantage for the Aussies.
Navigating that hurdle could see England in a semi-final against either Argentina or Ireland. Crucially, the draw has placed the other traditional powerhouses – New Zealand, South Africa, and France – on the opposite side of the knockout bracket.
This means England would only have to face one of them if they reach the final, with a potential All Blacks vs Springboks quarter-final on the cards in the other half of the draw.
Building Momentum: England's Form and History
England head into this new World Cup cycle with significant momentum. They ended 2025 on an 11-match winning streak, which included a statement victory over the All Blacks. This impressive autumn series has cemented their status as genuine contenders for 2027.
The team has recent World Cup pedigree, having reached at least the semi-finals in the last two tournaments. In 2023, they came agonisingly close to defeating South Africa in the semis, leading until the final minutes. Back in 2019, they powered past New Zealand and Australia to reach the final under Eddie Jones.
There is also a positive historical omen: the last time the Rugby World Cup was held in Australia, in 2003, England emerged victorious under Sir Clive Woodward. They remain the only northern hemisphere nation ever to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
With a clear draw, a squad clicking into gear, and a favourable historical precedent, England will believe their route to potential glory in 2027 is clearly marked.
