The race to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup is heating up, with several nations officially confirming their intentions to bid for the tournament.
Following Australia in 2027 and the USA in 2031, speculation is mounting over the destination of the 2035 global event. Initial significant interest came from the Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, all of whom recognize the immense market potential that hosting such a prestigious rugby event could bring to their regions.
European Contenders Emerge
However, World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin previously indicated a strong desire to see the competition return to Europe. Spain has emerged as a major frontrunner, with the President of the Spanish Rugby Union, Carlos Hansen, having confirmed their official bid submission. Italy is also vying for the honor.
Marzio Innocenti, a director at the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), stated that the Azzurri are prepared to host the World Cup in either 2035 or 2039. Notably, Italy is the sole Six Nations nation never to have hosted the main tournament, despite making two prior attempts to secure the rights.
Global Competition and Economic Realities
Global competition remains fierce. Japan threw its hat into the ring in October 2025, expressing a keen interest in hosting the event again. Furthermore, Argentina is preparing a major joint bid, backed by its South American partners: Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile.
Conversely, South Africa, a traditional rugby powerhouse, was widely anticipated to bid but the SA Rugby leadership ultimately decided against it. They cited the country`s current economic limitations regarding hosting a sporting event of this massive scale.
The host nation for the 2035 Rugby World Cup is scheduled to be officially announced in November 2027.
