The expanded 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup will feature 16 rounds for the first time, and the Wallabies will launch a showpiece event in Perth.
24 countries from the previous 20 countries will compete in the six-week tournament, starting on October 1, 2027 and ending on November 13.
There are six pools each consisting of four teams, with the top two in each group and the four best third teams competing in the knockout phase.
In previous World Cups, the quarterfinals marked the start of the knockout phase, but the expanded nature of 2027 means that for the first time there will be a final 16 phases.
The tournament draw will take place on December 3rd, with all 24 countries finding pool opponents.
The Wallabies currently sit in seventh place in the rankings and are eager to rise to the top six to avoid facing a heavyweight country on the pool stage.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said expanding the World Cup to 24 teams was a “groundbreaking moment in our sport.”
“It means more countries, more games and more opportunities for fans around the world to connect with rugby,” Robinson said.
“With the introduction of 16 rounds, there will be more knockout rugby streams, all matches will be counted, and every team will have the opportunity to make history.
“Importantly, we were able to achieve this within a streamlined tournament window that protects the welfare of players while enhancing the view.
“This is a huge step forward for rugby and reflects the global growth of the game.”
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Townsville will all host the World Cup games.
Sydney will host both the semifinals and the finals.
Perth’s Optus Stadium will begin the World Cup with a capacity of 60,000, and after a draw on December 3rd, the Wallabies’ opponents will be decided in the evening.
Chile became the 23rd country after beating Samoa 31-12 in the South American/Pacific playoffs on Saturday.
The 24th and final positions will be decided at the final qualifying tournament held in Dubai from November 8th to 18th.
South Africa has won the last two World Cups, but their hopes for three-peats are expected to take rigorous tests from New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, France, Argentina and Australia.
The Wallabies enjoy a comeback under coach Joe Schmidt, but he leaves his role after a clash with the All Blacks in Perth on Saturday.
Les Kiss has already been appointed as his replacement.