Spain Launches Official Bid To Host 2035 Rugby World Cup In Iconic Football Stadiums
Spain has officially entered the race to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, hoping to use its world-class sporting infrastructure, growing rugby presence and global appeal to deliver a tournament that introduces the game to new audiences.
The Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER) unveiled its bid under the slogan “Bridge the World”, presenting the proposed tournament as an opportunity to expand rugby’s reach beyond its traditional strongholds. However, Spain is seeking to host the competition for the first time and faces competition from other potential bidders with established rugby traditions.
The Spanish proposal includes some of the world’s biggest football stadiums, with Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, Barcelona’s Camp Nou and Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano among the potential venues. Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium is also on the proposed list, underlining the scale of Spain’s ambitions.
A major advantage of the bid is the opportunity to build on infrastructure being developed for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Spain will co-host with Portugal and Morocco.
The RFER believes the transport networks, stadiums, security arrangements and event-management expertise associated with that tournament could provide a strong foundation for hosting rugby’s biggest international competition.
Staging the final at either the Santiago Bernabéu or Camp Nou would offer a spectacular setting for the tournament’s showpiece event. Meanwhile, Spain’s extensive transport links and thriving tourism industry could help attract supporters from around the world.
Spain’s bid is also backed by the national government and LaLiga, with the federation presenting the tournament as a strategic opportunity to grow the sport domestically while strengthening its international profile.
For Spanish rugby, the potential benefits extend well beyond hosting a major sporting event. The federation aims to use the tournament to increase participation, strengthen clubs, improve facilities and create more opportunities for young players to progress towards the professional game.
The national team’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, which would mark their first appearance at the men’s tournament since 1999, provides an important platform for that ambition.
Hosting the World Cup eight years later could provide another major boost for the national team and help foster a stronger rugby culture across the country.
Nevertheless, Spain faces a significant challenge in convincing World Rugby that it is the strongest candidate. Japan, which successfully hosted the 2019 tournament, and a proposed South American bid led by Argentina are also in contention.
The decision will be made through World Rugby’s host-selection process, with a preferred candidate expected to be identified in May 2027 before the formal appointment in November of that year.
Spain’s bid represents a bold attempt to take rugby into a new market while capitalising on the country’s reputation as a destination for major sporting events.
Whether it can overcome competition from rival bidders remains to be seen, but the prospect of a Rugby World Cup staged in some of football’s most iconic stadiums gives the proposal considerable appeal.
