Rugby's Junior World Cup Expands to 16 Teams in Georgia

The future of rugby just got bigger and more inclusive as World Rugby announced its flagship youth competition will welcome four new nations next summer.

The World Rugby Junior World Championship, freshly renamed from the U20 Championship, will bring together 16 teams for the first time since 2009. Fiji, USA, Japan, and Uruguay join the returning squads for five weeks of competition from June 27 to July 18, 2026.

Georgia earns hosting duties for the second time, with matches split between Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The country previously welcomed the tournament in 2017, drawing enthusiastic crowds to watch tomorrow's international stars compete today.

The expanded format means more young players from more countries get to experience world-class competition. That matters because this tournament has launched the careers of some of rugby's biggest names, including All Blacks star Will Jordan, who played in that 2017 Georgia final.

The new structure features four pools of four teams each, ensuring every nation plays meaningful matches throughout the tournament. Pool winners advance to semifinals, while other teams compete for final rankings, guaranteeing each squad stays engaged until the end.

The Ripple Effect

Opening the tournament to 16 teams reflects rugby's growing global footprint. Japan's inclusion showcases Asia's rugby development, while USA and Uruguay represent the Americas' rising presence in the sport.

The expansion creates opportunities for players who might otherwise miss international competition during their crucial development years. These experiences often determine which athletes progress to senior national teams and professional careers.

Georgia benefits too, with matches spread across multiple cities and venues. Kutaisi's AIA Arena will host powerhouses New Zealand and France, while Tbilisi's stadiums welcome defending champions South Africa and former winners England alongside the Georgian hosts.

The tournament also pioneers player safety with a trial of lower tackle heights, making it the first international competition to test this welfare innovation. That forward-thinking approach protects young athletes while maintaining rugby's competitive spirit.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson called the rebrand "a bold new identity for one of our most important competitions," emphasizing how the expansion supports the organization's mission to grow the game globally.

Georgian Rugby Union President Davit Kacharava expressed pride in showcasing "the very best young rugby talent" across two vibrant cities and three quality venues.

The final takes place July 18 at Tbilisi's Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, where a new generation of rugby heroes will lift the championship trophy before family, fans, and scouts from professional clubs worldwide.

More teams means more dreams getting their chance to shine on rugby's brightest youth stage.