Paraguay one of three nations banned from the Rugby World Cup despite football success

After more than two hours of drama, tension and controversy, La Albirroja, ranked 41st in the FIFA World Rankings at the start of the tournament and sitting 31 places below Germany, achieved what many thought was impossible.

The defeat also marked Germany's first World Cup exit via a penalty shootout after winning their previous four. It was only the second time they had lost a shootout at a major tournament, following their defeat in the Euro 1976 final.

While Paraguay is currently enjoying success on the football pitch, their rugby ambitions suffered a major setback when they were banned from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, despite making significant progress in the sport.

During qualification for the 2027 tournament, Paraguay fielded a player who was later ruled ineligible under World Rugby regulations. As a consequence, the team was forced to withdraw from the competition, ending their hopes of reaching rugby's biggest stage for the first time.

Paraguay had earned a place in the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai, the closest they had ever come to World Cup qualification, after an impressive two-legged victory over Brazil.

After discovering the eligibility issue, Paraguay reported the matter to World Rugby themselves. However, they were still required to withdraw, with Brazil taking the South American qualification spot instead.

Despite lodging appeals, Paraguay were unable to overturn the ruling. The decision denied them what would have been their first Rugby World Cup appearance and highlighted the strict nature of player eligibility rules, where even minor administrative mistakes can have major consequences.

In their statement, World Rugby said, "World Rugby welcomes Paraguay’s voluntary admission of fault and accepts the explanation that an administration oversight led to the fielding of an ineligible player for both qualifiers against Brazil."

Paraguay are not the only nation excluded from the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Russia and Belarus also remain barred from participation, following their earlier exclusion from the 2023 tournament.

In February 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, prompting widespread international condemnation. As part of broader sporting sanctions, World Rugby suspended both Russia and Belarus from all international and cross-border rugby competitions.

Although the Russian Rugby Federation appealed the decision, the suspension remained in force, ending any realistic chance of qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. With the conflict still ongoing, both nations also remain excluded from the 2027 tournament.

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Ellis Genge – The powerful English loosehead prop captains Bristol Bears and is known for his aggressive ball-carrying and leadership for England.

Ox Nche – South African World Cup winner Ox Nche has become a cornerstone of the Sharks and Springbok scrum thanks to his exceptional set-piece strength.

Andrew Porter – Ireland and Leinster standout Andrew Porter combines relentless work rate with impressive mobility for a front-row forward.

Angus Bell – One of Australia's brightest young talents, Angus Bell represents the Waratahs after returning from a sabbatical with Ulster and has quickly established himself as the Wallabies' first-choice loosehead.

Malcolm Marx – The South African hooker plays for Kubota Spears in Japan and is widely regarded as one of the world's best breakdown forwards.

Dan Sheehan – Leinster and Ireland star Dan Sheehan brings pace, athleticism and try-scoring ability rarely seen from a hooker.

Codie Taylor – A veteran of New Zealand rugby, Codie Taylor continues to provide leadership and accuracy for the Crusaders and All Blacks.

Julien Marchand – France captain on occasion and a key figure for Toulouse, Marchand is renowned for his all-round excellence at hooker.

Tadhg Furlong – The experienced Irish tighthead remains a crucial player for Leinster and Ireland, blending scrummaging power with remarkable handling skills.

Joe Heyes – Leicester Tigers prop Joe Heyes has steadily developed into a reliable option for England in the front row.

Thomas du Toit – South Africa's Thomas du Toit currently plays for Bath, although is set to leave ahead of next season, and offers versatility across both sides of the scrum.

Wilco Louw – The Bulls and South Africa prop has rebuilt his international career through dominant performances in the set piece.

Maro Itoje – England captain Maro Itoje, who plays for Saracens, is famous for his athleticism, lineout expertise and defensive disruption.

Eben Etzebeth – The towering South African lock represents the Sharks and holds the Springbok appearance record, reflecting his longevity and influence.

Will Skelton – Australian giant Will Skelton captains La Rochelle and uses his immense size to dominate collisions and set pieces.

Emmanuel Meafou – Born in New Zealand but representing France, the Toulouse lock is a physically imposing presence around the field.

Tadhg Beirne – Munster's Tadhg Beirne is valued by Ireland for his versatility, breakdown work and ability to play both lock and flanker.

Ruan Nortje – Bulls captain Ruan Nortje has emerged as a dependable second-row option for South Africa through consistent performances.

Pieter-Steph du Toit – The South African loose forward, currently with Toyota Verblitz, is a former World Rugby Player of the Year renowned for his relentless engine.

Pablo Matera – Argentina's inspirational back-row leader plays club rugby in Japan and remains one of Los Pumas' most influential figures.

François Cros – A key member of both Toulouse and France, Cros excels in the unseen work that makes back rows function effectively.

Jack Willis – England flanker Jack Willis, now with Toulouse, is particularly respected for his breakdown expertise and turnover-winning ability.

Siya Kolisi – Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who plays for the Sharks, is celebrated as much for his leadership as his performances on the pitch.

Josh van der Flier – The Leinster and Ireland openside was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2022 after a remarkable rise in his all-round game.

Fraser McReight – Queensland Reds star Fraser McReight has become Australia's premier openside thanks to his speed and breakdown instincts.

Sam Underhill – The Bath and England flanker is renowned for his ferocious tackling and defensive work rate.

Ardie Savea – Savea is set to captain the All Blacks this summer and remains one of the most dynamic forwards in world rugby.

Ben Earl – Saracens and England number eight Ben Earl combines explosive running with the ability to contribute across the park.

Wallace Sititi – Born in New Zealand to Samoan heritage, Sititi plays for the Chiefs and has rapidly become an exciting All Blacks prospect.

Caelan Doris – Ireland captain Caelan Doris leads Leinster from the back row and is admired for his consistency and athleticism.

Maxime Lucu – Bordeaux-Bègles scrum-half Maxime Lucu is valued by France for his game management and kicking accuracy.

Antoine Dupont – Widely regarded as one of rugby's greatest players, the French captain stars for Toulouse and has won multiple World Player of the Year awards.

Jamison Gibson-Park – New Zealand-born Gibson-Park represents Ireland and Leinster, bringing tempo and creativity from scrum-half.

Cam Roigard – The Hurricanes and New Zealand scrum-half has emerged as one of the game's most exciting young playmakers.

Finn Russell – Scottish international Finn Russell orchestrates attacks for Bath and is famous for his flair and inventive passing game.

Matthieu Jalibert – France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert plays for Bordeaux-Bègles and thrives when given freedom to attack.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – The versatile South African back represents the Stormers and is considered one of the country's brightest talents.

Handré Pollard – Double World Cup-winning Springbok Handré Pollard currently plays for the Bulls and is renowned for his composure under pressure.

Sione Tuipulotu – Australia-born but Scotland-capped, Tuipulotu captains Glasgow Warriors and provides power and distribution in midfield.

Damian de Allende – The experienced South African centre plays for the Wild Knights in Japan and remains a defensive leader for the Springboks.

Stuart McCloskey – Ulster's Stuart McCloskey has earned a reputation with Ireland for his direct carrying and physical presence.

Tommaso Menoncello – Italy's rising star is set to join Toulouse next season and became one of the youngest players to win the Six Nations Player of the Championship award.

Jesse Kriel – Springbok vice-captain Jesse Kriel plays his club rugby in Japan and is known for his consistency and defensive organisation.

Jordie Barrett – The versatile New Zealander represents the Hurricanes, while remaining a key All Blacks playmaker.

Juan Ignacio Brex – Argentine-born Brex has become a central figure in Italy's midfield through his intelligent distribution and defence.

Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors and Scotland centre Huw Jones is a prolific try-scorer with a sharp attacking instinct.

Cheslin Kolbe – The electrifying South African wing will join Stormers soon and is famous for his footwork and game-breaking ability.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey – Bordeaux-Bègles flyer Louis Bielle-Biarrey has quickly become one of France's most dangerous finishers.

Damian Penaud – Another Bordeaux-Bègles star, Penaud is among France's all-time leading try scorers and excels in open space.

Tommy Freeman – Northampton Saints wing Tommy Freeman has become a key attacking weapon for England thanks to his aerial skills and versatility.

Kurt-Lee Arendse – The South African speedster plays for the Bulls and is renowned for his acceleration and counter-attacking threat.

Théo Attissogbé – Pau winger Théo Attissogbé is one of the most promising young talents in French rugby, capable of playing across the back three.

Thomas Ramos – Toulouse fullback Thomas Ramos is France's primary goal-kicker and a constant attacking threat from deep.

Damian Willemse – The versatile Springbok back plays for the Stormers and can cover fly-half, centre and fullback at the highest level.

Hugo Keenan – Leinster and Ireland fullback Hugo Keenan is admired for his reliability under the high ball and positional excellence.

Will Jordan – Crusaders star Will Jordan has established himself as one of New Zealand's most prolific try-scorers, whether at fullback or wing.