Belgium on brink of surprise Rugby World Cup place – but must beat Samoa to make it
The Belgians will face the Pacific Islanders for a spot at the 2027 tournament after both teams get two wins in the qualifiers in Dubai
Belgium are one game away from a first-ever Rugby World Cup finals appearance, having set up a deciding match against Samoa on Tuesday in the final qualification tournament in Dubai for the 2027 finals in Australia.
It would be an upset were Belgium to overcome Samoa, twice World Cup quarter-finalists, but the “Diables Noirs” have already eliminated another perennial contender, Namibia, and emerged as a rapidly improving outfit.
The four-team qualifiers in Dubai decide which team fills the 24th and final berth at the 2027 tournament and saw Belgium begin last weekend with a 22-15 win over Namibia, who have competed at the past seven World Cups since 1999.
Belgium then showed grit as they played for more than half an hour with just 14 men against Brazil, edging the game 30-27 with a try in the final two minutes.
Samoa have also won their two matches in Dubai, making Tuesday’s meeting a do-or-die affair.
Belgium served notice of their potential in midyear with an away victory over Canada, headlining a rather rapid ascent and putting them well ahead of their own plans.