Argentina, currently ranked fifth in the world, are the only nation in the top eight to have never hosted a Rugby World Cup match, but all that can change as they prepare a bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
Fact-finding mission
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin is visiting Argentina to check out the facilities before any formal applications are submitted in the latter half of 2026. Argentina are hoping to involve Brazil, Uruguay and Chile in staging the tournament.
President of the Argentine Rugby Union, Gabriel Travaglini said “We want a World Cup that reflects the passion and development that rugby has achieved in every corner of our territory.” Argentina have played in the last 10 Rugby World Cups, and have reached the semi-finals in three of the last five tournaments.
Los Pumas will make use of various multi-purpose stadiums around the country for home matches. In July, during the new Nations Championship, Argentina will host Scotland in the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, Wales in the Estadio San Juan de Bicentenario in San Juan, and England in the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero.
Other Nations bidding
Japan and Spain have recently confirmed their intention of bidding for the tournament, while Italy have previously expressed an interest. There has also been a rumoured joint Middle East bid, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
World Rugby’s selection of host has balanced maximising commercial returns and expanding into new markets in recent years. Japan hosted the tournament back in 2019, while the United States will host the tournament in 2031. The last one was hosted by France in 2023 and the next one will be in Australia 2027, both having hosted multiple times before.
After site visits and assessments, World Rugby will identify a preferred host in May 2027, with voting on their recommendation will begin in November 2027.
