Australia, New Zealand, Philippines latest teams to qualify for 2027 World Championship

Australia, New Zealand, and Philippines became the latest teams to qualify for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship after reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship alongside Japan yesterday.

With Japan already having qualified for the 2027 World Championship as hosts, the four teams representing the Asia-Pacific region are now set.

Australia secured their place at the 15th Men’s World Championship after finishing top of Pool A with wins over New Zealand (29-9) and Korea (27-5).

Philippines booked their spot in dramatic fashion after an incredible double over-time 10-9 win over a talented Japan side ensured they topped Pool B with three wins from three.

New Zealand’s journey to their first World Championship since 2002 was slightly more arduous after finishing second in Pool A and having to overcome Hong Kong, China in their play-in game to reach the semi-finals.

Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Philippines join the seven European teams who qualified through the European Championship last year, including Czechia, England, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, and Latvia.

There are now just five places to be decided before the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship line-up is complete, with teams from the Pan-American and African regions making up the remaining spots.

The 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship concludes this weekend with Philippines v New Zealand and Australia v Japan in the semi-finals on Saturday before the medal matches on Sunday.

Follow the conclusion of the competition HERE.