Samoa and Belgium Set Up Winner-Takes-All Clash for Final World Cup Spot

Samoa and Belgium will face off next Tuesday in Dubai for the last remaining place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup after both teams claimed crucial second wins in the final qualification tournament.

Belgium edged Brazil 30-27 in a tense, chaotic contest that saw the Europeans play more than half the match with fourteen men and briefly fall to thirteen after a red card to Charlesty Berguet.

Despite Brazil’s powerful scrum and two second half leads, Belgium refused to fold. Replacement prop Maxime Jadot crashed over in the final minutes to snatch victory, prompting coach Laurent Dossat to say he was: “incredibly, incredibly proud” of a side that: “didn’t give up”.

Samoa, by contrast, delivered a more composed performance in their 26-8 win over Namibia. Three first-half tries put them firmly in control, and although Namibia improved after the break and even won the second half 8-7, Samoa’s tactical kicking, organised defence and clinical execution underlined their status as favourites. Coach Lemalu Tusiata Pusi praised the lift brought by experienced newcomers such as prop Scott Sio, while Namibia’s Peter Rossouw credited his team’s improved physicality and commitment.

With both teams unbeaten, their meeting on Tuesday will decide who takes the 24th and final spot at Australia 2027.