Spain has formally entered the race to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, becoming the second nation to submit an official bid after Argentina’s declaration earlier this year. The Spanish Rugby Federation unveiled its candidacy during a gala event hosted by the Spanish Olympic Committee on Friday evening, April 24, 2026, under the slogan “Spain Connects Rugby.”
The move comes exactly one month after Argentina confirmed its interest in hosting the tournament, setting up a potential bidding contest for the 2035 edition. World Rugby has indicated a preference for returning the men’s tournament to Europe in 2035, followed by a possible hosting in Asia or the Middle East for 2039.
Spanish officials emphasized the country’s organizational capabilities, modern infrastructure, and strategic role as a bridge between diverse rugby markets. “Spain is fascinating as It’s an extension of the European market, with 50 million inhabitants, quality stadiums, and a culture of passionate fans,” said World Rugby President Brett Robinson in remarks reported last year, which were referenced during the presentation.
The bid highlights several premium football venues that could be adapted for rugby matches, including Barcelona’s Camp Nou, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, and Bilbao’s San Mamés. Notably, Camp Nou has previously hosted the final of France’s Top 14 domestic rugby competition, demonstrating its suitability for major rugby events.
Spain’s presentation focused on leveraging its position as a cultural and economic gateway within Europe to grow the sport’s global reach. The federation argued that hosting the World Cup would strengthen rugby’s presence in emerging markets even as building on existing European foundations.
No specific financial figures, attendance projections, or detailed tournament formats were disclosed during the official announcement. The Spanish Rugby Federation did not release a comprehensive bid document at the gala, opting instead to outline the vision and thematic pillars of its campaign.
The timing of Spain’s bid aligns with World Rugby’s ongoing review of hosting procedures and tournament rotation policies. While the governing body has not yet confirmed the exact selection timeline or voting process for 2035, multiple national unions are expected to express interest in the coming months.
For now, Argentina remains the only other officially declared candidate, though speculation persists about potential entries from other traditional rugby powers or emerging nations. World Rugby has encouraged geographic rotation in recent cycles, aiming to expand the sport’s footprint while maintaining competitive and logistical viability.
The Spanish bid will now enter a period of evaluation, during which World Rugby will assess compliance with hosting requirements, including stadium standards, accommodation capacity, transportation networks, and security protocols. Site visits and technical reviews typically follow the submission of formal dossiers.
As the process unfolds, Archysport will continue to monitor developments regarding the 2035 Rugby World Cup bid race, providing verified updates on any new declarations, withdrawals, or official statements from World Rugby or national federations.
Stay tuned for the next official update from World Rugby regarding the bidding timeline or any progress reports on the competing candidatures.
