The four most successful nations in the history of the World Rugby U20 Championship 2026 have secured their places in the semi-finals after South Africa, New Zealand, England and France topped their respective pools in Georgia.

Defending champions South Africa advanced with an impressive 52-33 victory over Wales, setting up a semi-final showdown with England, who survived a spirited late comeback from Argentina to claim a thrilling 40-38 win in Tbilisi despite finishing the match with 13 players.

In the other semi-final, New Zealand booked their place after defeating Italy 45-15 to finish on top of Pool B.

The seven-time finalists are chasing their first junior world title since the tournament was last staged in Georgia in 2017.

France completed the semi-final line-up after edging Australia 34-29 in another dramatic pool decider.

Captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi scored twice in the opening half as the French held on for victory, repeating the heartbreak they inflicted on the Junior Wallabies in the 2019 final.

The semi-finals will be played on 13 July, with New Zealand facing France before South Africa meet England.

Elsewhere, Argentina, Australia and Wales will contest the fifth-place play-offs alongside Scotland, who secured second place in Pool B with a 43-32 win over Japan.

Hosts Georgia, along with Fiji, Ireland and Italy, will compete for ninth to 12th place, while Spain, Japan, United States and Uruguay will battle for 13th to 16th positions.