Picture this: The Rugby World Cup, that exhilarating global showdown of rugby prowess, bouncing back to Europe right after the United States takes its turn in 2031. But who will step up to host the 2035 edition? The excitement is building, and we've got a thrilling lineup of contenders ready to make their pitch. But here's where it gets controversial... Could a European powerhouse truly reclaim the spotlight, or might an unexpected Middle Eastern or South American bid shake things up? Let's dive in and explore the buzz, uncovering details that might surprise even seasoned fans.
The quest to secure the hosting rights for the 2035 Rugby World Cup is picking up steam, especially with one frontrunner publicly stepping forward. Just to set the scene for newcomers, the Rugby World Cup is an international rugby union event held every four years, much like the football World Cup, bringing together top teams from around the globe in a celebration of skill, strategy, and sheer athleticism.
Fast-forward to the upcoming tournaments: Australia will play host in 2027, followed by the United States in 2031. World Rugby, the sport's governing body, has openly expressed a desire for the 2035 event to head back to Europe, reigniting old rivalries and fresh ambitions.
And this is the part most people miss... One of the top picks has just thrown their hat into the ring officially. Spain, with its growing rugby scene, has declared its candidacy, aiming to bring the global stage to its shores.
Real Federación Española de Rugby's president, Carlos Hansen, made the announcement in a video shared on the union's social media, sparking waves of anticipation. "An exciting year lies ahead for us," he shared. "We're gearing up to evolve and elevate our rugby game, and I'm thrilled to announce that Spain has been nominated as a candidate to host the 2035 World Cup. We'll be putting in the hard work to make it happen. For now, enjoy the holidays, recharge, and gear up for a rugby-packed 2026. Merry Christmas!"
Yet, Spain won't have an easy path. The competition is fierce, with a united front from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE preparing a collaborative bid that could leverage their expansive resources and modern infrastructure. Japan, capitalizing on the triumph of their successful 2019 hosting, formally entered the fray in October 2025. On another continent, Argentina is rumored to lead a South American coalition, possibly including Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil, to bring the tournament southward.
If World Rugby leans toward Europe, Spain stands out as a strong candidate, but Italy has also shown keen interest. Ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Federazione Italiana Rugby's director, Marzio Innocenti, voiced Italy's eagerness to host in either 2035 or 2039. Interestingly, Italy remains the only Six Nations team without a hosting history and has bid unsuccessfully twice before. And here's a twist that could fuel debate: Should historical misses influence future decisions, or is it time for a fresh start?
South Africa, the 1995 hosts who have repeatedly sought another chance, might rejoin the race too. Despite earlier claims of financial hurdles, reports suggest SA Rugby is discussing viability with World Rugby. They've missed out before, notably in 2023, but could their storied legacy tip the scales?
Hosting in Spain would mean vibrant matches in legendary football venues, like the Santiago Bernabéu (home to Real Madrid) and the Camp Nou (Barcelona's fortress). This crossover could draw massive crowds, blending rugby with soccer's passionate fanbase—imagine the energy!
Spain is set to return to the World Cup action in 2027 in Australia, marking their first participation since 1999. While they qualified for 2019 and 2023, disqualifications marred those runs. In 2018, World Rugby ruled them out from the Japan event due to ineligible players in qualifying matches. Then, in 2022, three Alcobendas Rugby Club members were implicated in passport forgery involving an ineligible athlete who played in two key games.
But let's confront the controversy head-on: Are these disqualifications a black mark on Spain's credibility, or do they highlight the intense pressures of international competition? What do you think—should past infractions bar a nation from hosting, or can redemption shine through?
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As the bidding drama unfolds, it raises intriguing questions: Will Europe reclaim its rugby throne, or will a bold international alliance rewrite the script? Do you favor a European host for cultural resonance, or would a global shift excite you more? Share your opinions in the comments—let's debate the future of this epic sport!
