2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying teams

Portugal seal final spot at Rugby World Cup 2023 after securing draw with last kick of the match

• Friday, 18 November 2022

Portugal became the final team to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2023 after securing a thrilling draw with the United States with the last kick of the match.

In the decisive match of the Final Qualification Tournament, held at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Portugal only needed a draw thanks to their superior points difference, and earned it courtesy of a last-minute kick from Samuel Marques.

Thanks to a 16-16 draw, Portugal will complete Pool C at Rugby World Cup 2023 with Wales, Australia, Fiji and Georgia.

Raffaele Storti scored Portugal’s opening try as they took advantage of Nate Augsperger’s sin-binning.  

Portugal went on to hold a narrow 10-9 lead at the break in a tight contest.

The US took the lead during the second half courtesy of a try from Kapeli Pifeleti Jr who finished from close range, with AJ MacGinty adding the conversion to make it 16-13.

Despite the sin-binning of Francisco Fernandes, Portugal did not concede in the time he was off the pitch, before Portugal earned a penalty at the death, successfully kicked by Marques, to seal their place in France next year.

"It's hard to explain, it's one of the best feelings in the world," said Portugal captain Tomás Appleton.

"For the rugby community this is amazing, we've been missing [from Rugby World Cup] for quite some time and we need a new generation to inspire the kids."

Earlier, Hong Kong faced Kenya in a match that he decided who finished in third place in the qualification tournament.

Debutant Jak Lam scored the match-winning try as Hong Kong overturned an 11 point half-time deficit to triumph 22-18.