[3] New Zealand enter the tournament as defending champions following their victory against England in the 2021 Rugby World Cup Final.

[9][10] In December 2023 it was announced that hosts England would open the tournament at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, and that the final would be held at Twickenham in London.

Four teams automatically qualified by reaching the 2021 Rugby World Cup semi-finals: New Zealand, England, France and Canada.

Six of the remaining twelve spots will be decided though the 2024 Six Nations, 2024 Pacific Four Series and regional competitions in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America, while the 2024 WXV will determine the final six places.

[13][14] In Europe, Ireland reached their eighth World Cup after taking the region's qualifying place by defeating Scotland in the final round of the 2024 Women's Six Nations Championship.

[16] The United States made their tenth world cup after New Zealand defeated Australia in the final game of the 2024 Pacific Four Series.

Notes: The pool draw took place on 17 October 2024 in London; it was shown live on The One Show in the United Kingdom and on RugbyPassTV worldwide.

Quarter-finals will be split between Exeter's Sandy Park, and Bristol's Ashton Gate, while the latter will host both Semi-Finals.