Samoa booked their spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup by the narrowest of margins, drawing 13-13 with Belgium in the final match of the qualification tournament in Dubai on Tuesday. The Pacific Islanders advanced thanks to a single bonus point, finishing one point ahead of Belgium.
Both Samoa and Belgium had beaten Brazil and Namibia in earlier games, but it was Samoa’s extra bonus point that proved decisive. Belgium led 6-3 with 17 minutes remaining, thanks to two penalty kicks from Matias Remue.
Samoa looked in control when Abraham Papali’i came off the bench to score a 63rd-minute try, with Jacob Umaga adding the conversion and a penalty. But Belgium’s Jean-Maurice Decubber scored in the 73rd minute, and Remue converted to level the scores, leaving the Black Devils just short of a maiden World Cup appearance.
In the closing minutes, Samoa held possession and territory, with Papali’i kicking the ball into touch to seal qualification.
Samoa captain Theo McFarland admitted it “wasn’t pretty” but celebrated securing his side’s 10th World Cup appearance. “We spoke all week about giving Belgium respect and credit. They stuck in it and gave it to us. It’s a draw, but we’ll take the ticket to the World Cup,” said McFarland.
Belgium captain Decubber expressed disappointment but vowed to come back stronger for 2031. “We’re really sad – I think we deserved it. We worked very hard for it in this game and I feel sad for the team,” he said.
Final Score:
Samoa 13 – Try: Papali’i, Con: Umaga, Pens: Umaga 2
Belgium 13 – Try: Decubber, Con: Remue, Pens: Remue 2
English