2035 Men's Rugby World Cup bids
The host selection process for the 2035 Men's Rugby World Cup was officially launched by World Rugby in September 2025, with expressions of interest opening the following month.[1][2]
Selection process
Unlike previous cycles, the 2035 men's process is being run independently of the 2037 women's edition to allow for more tailored hosting strategies. The bidding schedule is as follows:[1]
| Date | Phase |
|---|---|
| October 2025 | Launch of Expressions of Interest |
| Q3 2026 | Submission of detailed questionnaires |
| Late 2026 – Early 2027 | Site visits & feasibility assessments |
| May 2027 | Identification of preferred host |
| November 2027 | Final appointment and announcement |
Confirmed bids
As of April 2026, several nations have officially confirmed their intent to bid:
Japan
The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) officially submitted its expression of interest on 14 January 2026.[3][4][5] Under the campaign message "No Side Spirit," Japan aims to host the tournament for the second time, following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[6]
South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay)
On 17 March 2026, the Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) announced its bid for the 2035 tournament during a formal visit from World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin.[7][8][5] The project is a regional effort led by Argentina in conjunction with Sudamérica Rugby, and would be the first time the tournament has been held in South America.[7]
Spain
The Real Federación Española de Rugby (RFER) confirmed its bid in December 2025.[9][10][5]
At the Gala del Rugby Español 2026, held on 24 April 2026 at the headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Committee, the RFER formally presented its candidacy under the concept "Spain Connects Rugby."[11] Proposed venues include the Bernabéu, Camp Nou, and Estadio de La Cartuja.[12] The RFER has secured partnerships with the Spanish government, La Liga, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and other organisations.[12]
Potential bids
Italy: In April 2025, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson confirmed that Italy had expressed interest in bidding.[13] The Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) has expressed interest in hosting the tournament, having previously bid unsuccessfully for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and 2019 Rugby World Cup. Italy is the only Six Nations nation never to have hosted a Rugby World Cup match.[5] As of April 2026, no formal Italian bid has been announced.
Declined or withdrew bids
- Middle East (
Qatar, 
United Arab Emirates, and 
Saudi Arabia): Qais Al Dhalai, president of Asia Rugby, stated in March 2025 that a joint bid between Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia was "very likely."[14][15] However, this announcement came before the news of Asia Rugby's suspension from the World Rugby Council.[16] In April 2026, it was reported that Saudi Arabia had not submitted an expression of interest and had no plans to do so.[17]
References
- 1 2 "World Rugby launches Men's Rugby World Cup 2035 host selection process". World Rugby. 24 September 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "Le processus d'attribution de la Coupe du monde 2035 officiellement ouvert" [The bidding process for the 2035 World Cup has officially opened]. Francs Jeux (in French). 30 September 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "JRFU Announcement on RWC 2035 Host Nation Selection Process". Japan Rugby Football Union. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "Japan officially launches bid to host 2035 Rugby World Cup". Mainichi Daily News. 15 January 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Henson, Mike (18 March 2026). "Rugby World Cup 2035: Argentina make case for first South American edition". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "JRFU Announces 'No Side Spirit' as RWC2035 Bid Message". Japan Rugby Football Union. 23 January 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- 1 2 "La Argentina consolida su proyecto para el Mundial 2035 con la visita de la máxima autoridad de World Rugby" [Argentina is finalising its bid for the 2035 World Cup with a visit from World Rugby's chief executive] (in Spanish). Unión Argentina de Rugby. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "Argentina consolida su proyecto para ser sede del Mundial 2035: recibió la visita de una autoridad de World Rugby" [Argentina is stepping up its bid to host the 2035 World Cup: it has been visited by a World Rugby official]. ESPN (in Spanish). 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Feliz Navidad familia del rugby español [Merry Christmas, Spanish rugby family!]. Facebook (in Spanish). Federación Española de Rugby. 25 December 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Saldaña, Juan José (8 March 2026). "How Spanish rugby plans to organize the 2035 World Cup". sportsin.biz. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "España presenta su candidatura al Mundial de Rugby 2035 en la Gala del Rugby Español 2026" [Spain presents its candidacy for the 2035 Rugby World Cup at the 2026 Spanish Rugby Gala]. Real Federación Española de Rugby (in Spanish). 24 April 2026. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- 1 2 Isaac, Francisco (26 April 2026). "Spain to play Six Nations side as Rugby World Cup host ambitions confirmed". RugbyPass. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Kelleher, Will (17 March 2026). "Nou Camp gives Spain edge over Gulf states for 2035 Rugby World Cup". The Times. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
- ↑ "Double Interest from Asia in Hosting Rugby World Cup 2035". Americas Rugby News. 31 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Sim, Josh (31 March 2025). "Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia prepare joint bid for 2035 Rugby World Cup". SportsPro. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "World Rugby Issues Asia Rugby a Yellow Card - Evidence Suggests It Should be a Red". RugbyAsia247. 31 December 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Hughes, Matt (17 April 2026). "Saudi Arabia abandons plans to host 2035 Rugby World Cup amid funding cutback". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 April 2026.