04/12/2025
Samoa have failed to qualify for the knockout rounds at the last six Men’s Rugby World Cups, but they are intent on snapping that streak in two years. With a new format introducing a round of 16, there is now more opportunity than before for teams to progress.
There was only one more World Cup spot up for grabs when Samoa made their way to Dubai for The Final Qualification Tournament last month. Samoa secured the 24th qualification spot with a 13-all draw with Belgium, following wins over Brazil and Namibia.
The tournament draw on Wednesday saw Samoa placed in Pool E alongside Pacific Nations Cup rivals the USA and Japan, and Northern Hemisphere juggernauts France. Samoa finished sixth at the 2025 PNC, having lost to the USA 29-13 on September 14.
Samoa have failed to qualify for the knockout rounds at the last six Men’s Rugby World Cups, but they are intent on snapping that streak.