The Rugby World Cup is Coming: Fixtures, Kick-Off Times, and Venues

By | May 8, 2026
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The Rugby World Cup is Coming: Fixtures, Kick-Off Times, and Venues

The Rugby World Cup, one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world, is just around the corner. The tournament, which takes place every four years, will bring together the best rugby teams from around the globe to compete for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup. In this article, we will take a look at the fixtures, kick-off times, and venues for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

When and Where

The 2023 Rugby World Cup will take place in France from September 8 to October 28, 2023. The tournament will feature 20 teams, divided into four pools of five teams each. The teams will compete in a total of 48 matches, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the knockout stage.

Fixtures and Kick-Off Times

The fixture list for the Rugby World Cup has been released, and fans can start planning their viewing schedules. The first match of the tournament will take place on September 8, 2023, at 9:00 PM local time, with France taking on New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The remaining fixtures will take place over the next six weeks, with kick-off times ranging from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM local time.

Some of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament include:

  • England vs. Argentina on September 9, 2023, at 9:00 PM local time

  • Australia vs. Fiji on September 10, 2023, at 4:45 PM local time

  • South Africa vs. Scotland on September 10, 2023, at 7:00 PM local time

  • New Zealand vs. Italy on September 16, 2023, at 8:00 PM local time

  • France vs. Uruguay on September 14, 2023, at 8:00 PM local time

Venues

The Rugby World Cup will take place at nine venues across France, each with its own unique character and history. The venues are:

  1. Stade de France (Saint-Denis) – Capacity: 81,338

  2. Stade Vélodrome (Marseille) – Capacity: 67,000

  3. Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) – Capacity: 59,186

  4. Stade de Bordeaux (Bordeaux) – Capacity: 42,566

  5. Stade de Toulouse (Toulouse) – Capacity: 33,150

  6. Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne) – Capacity: 41,965

  7. Allianz Riviera (Nice) – Capacity: 36,178

  8. Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Lille) – Capacity: 50,157

  9. Nantes Stadium (Nantes) – Capacity: 37,473

Knockout Stage

The knockout stage of the tournament will take place from October 14 to October 28, 2023. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, with the winners advancing to the semifinals and ultimately the final. The third-place playoff will take place on October 27, 2023, with the final taking place on October 28, 2023.

Conclusion

The Rugby World Cup is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world, and the 2023 tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience. With a mix of established rugby powerhouses and up-and-coming teams, the tournament is sure to be full of drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or just looking for a fun and exciting sporting experience, the Rugby World Cup has something for everyone. So mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to join the rugby community for the biggest tournament in the sport.