The stage is set for the largest celebration of rugby as World Rugby announces the match schedule for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Expanded to feature 16 teams—four more than the last edition—this tournament is set to be the biggest of its kind, promising six weekends of thrilling rugby action, family-friendly fan experiences, and unforgettable moments.
The tournament kicks off on August 22, 2025, with a thrilling opener between England and the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. This match is a repeat of the iconic 1991 and 1994 finals, making it a fitting start to this landmark event. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the Red Roses and the Eagles reignite a historic rivalry on opening night.
The match schedule has been thoughtfully designed to optimize the experience for both teams and fans. Across the six weekends of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, there will be six pool-stage double headers, aimed at creating a festival-like atmosphere in the host cities and providing a family-friendly day out. Spectators will enjoy rugby’s biggest stars and local experiences, with host cities such as York, Salford, Northampton, and Exeter rolling out the red carpet for international fans.
The tournament’s accessibility is a key highlight, with 95% of England’s population living within a two-hour drive of a match venue. This ensures a fantastic opportunity for both die-hard fans and newcomers to get involved and witness history in the making.
With the USA’s recent shift in rankings, Pool A is already being dubbed the “Group of Death,” setting up an intense competition and an exciting opening night clash between the USA and England. Adding to the drama, Australia’s coach Jo Yapp will have to wait until September 6 to face England, the team she once led to the final in 2006, in a highly anticipated Pool A encounter.
The schedule has been designed with player welfare and logistics in mind, providing teams with a minimum of six rest days between pool matches. However, travel demands will add another strategic layer to the competition. After their opener in Sunderland, the USA will make a short hop to York, while reigning champions New Zealand will cover over 500 miles during the pool stage, moving between venues like Northampton, Exeter, and Brighton. England will also be on the move, traveling 346 miles before heading into the knockout rounds.
Pool matches are spread across iconic venues, including football stadiums like Sunderland’s Stadium of Light (49,000 capacity) and Brighton’s Community Stadium (31,800 capacity), alongside established rugby grounds such as Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens (15,249 capacity) and Exeter’s Sandy Park (15,600 capacity). York’s LNER Community Stadium (8,500 capacity) will serve as a central hub, hosting games from all four pools and providing a consistent rugby experience for fans every weekend.
As one of only three teams to have won the Rugby World Cup, the USA will aim to reclaim their past glory. They were the first champions, winning the inaugural tournament in 1991 by defeating England in Cardiff. Since then, however, they have not managed to overcome the Red Roses, who have secured two titles of their own—in 1994 and 2014. Defending champions New Zealand, with six titles to their name, will kick off their campaign against Spain on August 24 at York Community Stadium, starting their quest for a three-peat.
The tournament will also feature historic moments, including Brazil’s debut on August 24 against South Africa at Franklin’s Gardens. Meanwhile, world number two Canada, the only team to reach a final without winning the title, will open their Pool B campaign against Fiji on August 23. Adding to the mix, Scotland and Wales will reignite their historic rivalry on August 24 at Salford Community Stadium, following Scotland’s recent landmark away victory over Wales in the Six Nations.
Ireland, making their first Rugby World Cup appearance since hosting in 2017, will begin their campaign against Japan on August 24, culminating in a high-stakes match against New Zealand on September 7. This final pool match promises to be a thrilling rematch, following Ireland’s recent WXV 1 victory over the Black Ferns.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarter-finals, with knockout games hosted at rugby-familiar Exeter and bustling Bristol. The semi-finals will also take place in Bristol, with the grand finale set for London’s Twickenham Stadium on September 27. Notably, the match schedule keeps England and New Zealand apart until a potential showdown in the final, building anticipation for what could be a climactic finish to this landmark tournament.
After over 55,000 tickets were snapped up during the pre-sale period for the opening and final matches, fans can apply for tickets during the next two-week window from November 5, 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants will be notified of their secured tickets in December. Mastercard holders can still take advantage of a 48-hour priority sale window to get early access.
The 2025 Rugby World Cup promises to be more than just a tournament; it’s set to be a festival of rugby, community, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, England 2025 invites everyone to be part of this exhilarating journey.
For the full match schedule and ticket information, visit rugbyworldcup.com.
In the United States, we’re hoping that matches will be available to watch on Peacock. Get Peacock Premium for $7.99/mo (limited time offer). Excludes current Premium and Premium Plus subscribers. Additional restrictions and terms apply. Not in the USA? Check the Rugby World Cup site for other viewing options.
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