What Do England Need to Do Reach the Nations Championship Final?

England remain firmly in contention to reach the inaugural Nations Championship Final, with Steve Borthwick’s side sitting second in the Northern Hemisphere standings ahead of their final two group fixtures against Japan and New Zealand.

Following their impressive 45-22 victory over Australia at the Allianz Stadium, England have collected 15 competition points from four matches, leaving them just two points behind leaders France and level with Ireland.

With the Nations Championship Finals Weekend taking place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November 2026, England’s remaining fixtures could determine whether they compete for the inaugural title or feature in one of the tournament’s other ranking matches.

How Does the Nations Championship Table Look?

England have won three of their opening four Nations Championship matches, with their only defeat coming against South Africa in July. Victories over Fiji, Argentina and Australia have placed them among the leading contenders to finish top of the Northern Hemisphere standings.

Northern Hemisphere standings after four rounds:

Position	Nation	Played	Points
1	France	4	17
2	England	4	15
3	Ireland	4	15
4	Scotland	4	11
5	Wales	4	10
6	Italy	4	0

France currently lead the competition following three victories and five bonus points, while England sit above Ireland courtesy of their superior points difference.

Unlike the Six Nations, the Nations Championship sees Northern Hemisphere nations compete exclusively against Southern Hemisphere opposition during the six group rounds, meaning England cannot directly take points away from France or Ireland.

What Do England Need to Reach the Final?

England must finish top of the Northern Hemisphere standings after all six rounds to qualify for the Nations Championship Grand Final on Sunday 29th November.

Borthwick’s side can collect a maximum of ten additional competition points from their remaining matches, which would take their overall total to 25.

Winning both fixtures against Japan and New Zealand would therefore give England an excellent opportunity to reach the final, although their qualification would still depend on results elsewhere.

Securing bonus-point victories would be particularly important. Teams receive four points for a victory and an additional point for scoring at least four tries, meaning England could significantly improve their position with a strong attacking performance against Japan.

Two victories would also ensure Scotland and Wales could not finish above England, leaving France and Ireland as their main competitors for the Northern Hemisphere’s place in the final.

However, even two bonus-point victories would not guarantee qualification. France can still reach 27 points by winning their remaining fixtures against South Africa and Argentina with bonus points.

Should teams finish level on competition points, the number of victories would be considered first, followed by points difference if required.

France and Ireland Results Could Decide England’s Fate

Friday evening’s meeting between France and South Africa could prove particularly important for England’s chances of reaching the final.

France face the reigning world champions in Paris before concluding their group campaign against Argentina on Saturday 21st November. A defeat to the Springboks would provide England with an opportunity to overtake Les Bleus, particularly if Borthwick’s side secure maximum points against Japan.

Ireland are also firmly involved in the qualification race, currently sitting level with England on 15 competition points.

Andy Farrell’s side host Fiji on Saturday 14th November before facing South Africa in Dublin seven days later. Victory in both fixtures could take Ireland to 25 points, potentially leaving bonus points and the tournament’s tie-break rules to decide which nation progresses.

England currently hold a considerable points-difference advantage over Ireland, although that could change during the final two rounds.

England Face Japan Before Crucial New Zealand Clash

England’s next assignment comes against Japan on Saturday 14th November, with former England Head Coach Eddie Jones returning to the Allianz Stadium as Head Coach of the Brave Blossoms.

Borthwick has made ten changes to his starting XV following the victory over Australia, with Henry Pollock selected at number eight after scoring twice against the Wallabies.

George Ford, Ellis Genge and Freddie Steward are among those returning to the starting line-up as England target another victory and a valuable try-scoring bonus point.

Attention will then turn to New Zealand on Saturday 21st November, a fixture that could ultimately determine England’s final position in the Northern Hemisphere standings.

With the All Blacks also competing for first place in the Southern Hemisphere, the match could have major implications for both sides heading into Finals Weekend.

When Is the Nations Championship Final?

The inaugural Nations Championship Finals Weekend takes place at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, between Friday 27th and Sunday 29th November 2026.

All twelve participating nations will compete across six matches, with teams facing the nation occupying the corresponding position in the opposite hemisphere’s standings.

The two group winners will meet in the Grand Final on Sunday 29th November, with kick-off scheduled for 4:40pm GMT.

England must therefore finish above France, Ireland and the remaining Northern Hemisphere nations to earn the opportunity to compete for the first Nations Championship title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can England still reach the Nations Championship Final?

Yes. England currently sit second in the Northern Hemisphere standings, two points behind France. Winning their remaining matches against Japan and New Zealand could secure qualification, depending on other results.

How many points can England finish on?

England currently have 15 competition points and can earn a maximum of ten more from their remaining two fixtures, taking their potential final total to 25.

Who are England’s biggest rivals for qualification?

France and Ireland are England’s principal competitors. France currently lead the standings with 17 points, while Ireland are level with England on 15.

When do England play New Zealand?

England face New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 21st November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 2:10pm GMT.

When and where is the Nations Championship Final?

The Nations Championship Grand Final takes place on Sunday 29th November 2026 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kick-off at 4:40pm GMT.