Most titles
South Africa
4 championships
1987
The Webb Ellis Archive
World CupHistory
Every champion, final, medal and defining dynasty from the inaugural tournament in 1987 to the present day.
Tournaments
10
Champions
4 nations
Finalists
5 nations
Most titles
South Africa · 4
Roll of Honour
Every World Cup Final
10 completed editions and the finals that decided rugby union’s world champion.
YearHostChampionRunner-upScore
1987New Zealand
New Zealand
France29–9
New ZealandFrance29–91991England
Australia
England12–6
AustraliaEngland12–61995South Africa
South AfricaNew Zealand15–12
South AfricaNew Zealand15–121999WalesAustraliaFrance35–12
AustraliaFrance35–122003AustraliaEnglandAustralia20–17
EnglandAustralia20–172007FranceSouth AfricaEngland15–6
South AfricaEngland15–62011New ZealandNew ZealandFrance8–7
New ZealandFrance8–72015EnglandNew ZealandAustralia34–17
New ZealandAustralia34–172019JapanSouth AfricaEngland32–12
South AfricaEngland32–122023FranceSouth AfricaNew Zealand12–11
South AfricaNew Zealand12–11Historical Standings
World Cup Medal Table
Nations ranked by championships, followed by silver and bronze medals.
RankNationTotalGoldSilverBronze
1South Africa64022New Zealand83233Australia52214England51315France40316
Argentina10017
Wales1001Tournament Records
The marks that define greatness
Most podium finishes
New Zealand
8 recorded medals
Only northern champion
England
Australia 2003
First champions
New Zealand
New Zealand 1987
Back-to-back champions
New Zealand / South Africa
New Zealand: 2011 and 2015 · South Africa: 2019 and 2023
Latest champions
South Africa
France 2023
Rugby One Authority
Greatest World Cup nations
Rugby One’s editorial verdict through France 2023, based on titles, consistency, longevity, knockout performance and influence on the tournament.
01South AfricaNew ZealandAustraliaEnglandFrance
South AfricaFour titles, a perfect record in finals and the defining World Cup dynasty of the modern era.
02New ZealandThree titles, more podium finishes than any nation and sustained excellence across every era.
03AustraliaTwo championships and one of the tournament’s foundational global powers.
04EnglandThe northern hemisphere’s only champion and a four-time World Cup finalist.
05FranceThree finals, iconic tournament moments and the greatest nation still searching for its first title.
The next chapter
Return to the live Australia 2027 tournament hub.