World Rugby Confirms November Schedule for Nations Cup 2026
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
World Rugby has announced the full schedule for the second phase of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup 2026, with 18 matches set to take place across Europe and Hong Kong from November 6 to 21.
The tournament began in July and will conclude during the November international window, with two inaugural Nations Cup champions set to be crowned at the end of the competition.
12 Teams Competing for the Titles
The Nations Cup features 12 teams that have qualified for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
The participating sides are divided into two pools. Pool A includes Canada, Chile, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay and the USA, while Pool B consists of Georgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Zimbabwe.
Each team will face every opponent from the other pool across the July and November match windows. The teams finishing at the top of their respective pools will be declared the first Nations Cup champions.
USA and Georgia Lead Their Pools
After the opening three rounds in July, the USA and Georgia are the only unbeaten teams in the competition.
The USA currently leads Pool A after securing three victories, while Georgia sits at the top of Pool B with the same record.
Uruguay and Zimbabwe are still searching for their first wins. The opening phase also produced several notable results, including a 42-42 draw between Canada and Spain, which became the highest-scoring draw in Test rugby history.
Hong Kong China also recorded a memorable victory over Uruguay during the July window.
November Action Begins in Romania
The second phase will begin on Friday, November 6, when Romania hosts Tonga at Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest.
The following day will feature several matches, with Georgia taking on Canada in Tbilisi, Portugal facing Chile in Lisbon, Zimbabwe meeting Samoa in Wakefield, England, and Spain playing Uruguay in Madrid.
On Sunday, November 8, Hong Kong China will face the USA in Bourg-en-Bresse, France.
Home Matches Spread Across Europe and Hong Kong
The November schedule includes several matches being staged outside the teams’ traditional home venues.
Zimbabwe will host its designated matches in England and France, while Hong Kong China will play two of its three home fixtures in France before returning home for its final match.
Hong Kong China will welcome Tonga at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on November 21, providing an important home fixture to close its Nations Cup campaign.
World Rugby said the arrangements reflect the logistical and geographic demands of the November window while allowing teams to maintain important connections with their home supporters.
Portugal vs Uruguay Set for November 21
One of the notable fixtures on the final day will see Portugal host Uruguay in Lisbon on November 21.
The match will also offer an early look at a future Rugby World Cup 2027 meeting, with the two teams scheduled to face each other in Newcastle, Australia, on October 11 during the World Cup.
That encounter could have significant implications, with a place in the Round of 16 potentially at stake.
Nations Cup Builds Toward Rugby World Cup 2027
The Nations Cup was introduced to provide 24 leading rugby nations with more consistent access to high-level international competition ahead of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
For the 12 teams involved in the Nations Cup, the competition provides regular opportunities to test strategies, develop players and gain experience against competitive international opposition.
With 18 matches remaining in November and both pool titles still to be decided, the second phase is expected to provide an exciting conclusion to the tournament’s first edition.
