Portugal’s national rugby team faces a formidable challenge in the 2027 World Cup after being drawn into a tough group with Ireland, Scotland, and Uruguay, despite their historic first victory in the 2023 tournament.
The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia placed Portugal, currently ranked 20th globally, in Group D.
They will compete against fourth-ranked Ireland, ninth-ranked Scotland, and 14th-ranked Uruguay. The draw was held this Wednesday in Sydney.
The setup creates rematches against all three opponents from recent international test windows.
Less than a month ago, Portugal lost to Uruguay 26-8 in Lisbon during an autumn international. Their overall record against Uruguay stands at three wins and nine losses.
Portugal’s single encounter with Ireland in July resulted in their worst historical defeat, a 106-7 loss at home. This surpassed a 108-13 loss to New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup.
Portugal also lost to Scotland 59-21 just over a year ago.
The 2027 tournament will mark Portugal’s third appearance in the Rugby World Cup, following their participation in 2007 and 2023, both held in France.
In the 2007 competition, Portugal lost all three group matches against Scotland, New Zealand, and Romania.
The team made headlines in 2023 by securing their first-ever World Cup victory, a 24-23 upset against Fiji. They also drew 18-18 with Georgia in 2023, alongside losses to Wales and Australia.
Historically, Portugal defeated Uruguay in a 2007 World Cup play-off, winning 12-5 at home and losing 18-12 away.
Their first World Cup match in 2007 was a 56-10 loss to Scotland, a team they had also lost to in a 1998 qualifier.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is scheduled to run from October 1 to November 13 across Australia.
Other groups include New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and Hong Kong in Group A. Defending champions South Africa, Italy, Georgia, and Romania will compete in Group B.
Group C features Argentina, Fiji, Spain, and Canada. Group E comprises France, Japan, the United States, and Samoa. England, Wales, Tonga, and Zimbabwe are in Group F.