Argentina Spearheads Bold South American Rugby World Cup Bid for 2035

Argentina has launched an ambitious campaign to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, a groundbreaking initiative that would bring the tournaments prestigious stage to South America for the first time in its illustrious history. The bid represents more than just a single nation effort, with Argentina proposing to share hosting responsibilities across multiple South American countries.

The Argentine Rugby Union has outlined plans to involve Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay in staging the tournament, creating a truly continental celebration of rugby that would showcase the sports growing influence across South America. This collaborative approach reflects the regions increasing rugby development and the potential for cross-border sporting partnerships.

Gabriel Travaglini, president of the Argentine Rugby Union, emphasized the emotional and strategic significance of their bid. We want a World Cup that reflects the passion and development that rugby has achieved in every corner of our territory, he stated, highlighting the deep connection between Argentine rugby culture and their hosting aspirations.

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin is currently conducting a fact-finding mission in Argentina, evaluating the countrys infrastructure, organizational capabilities, and rugby heritage as formal applications approach. This visit represents a crucial step in the selection process, allowing World Rugby officials to assess first-hand the potential of a South American tournament.

Argentinas rugby credentials provide substantial foundation for their hosting bid. Los Pumas have participated in all ten previous Rugby World Cup editions, demonstrating remarkable consistency and competitive growth. Their recent tournament performances have been particularly impressive, reaching the semi-finals in three of the past five World Cups, including memorable campaigns that captured global attention.

The infrastructure assessment reveals promising potential across Argentina. Los Pumas currently utilize various multi-purpose stadiums throughout the country for international matches, demonstrating flexibility and geographic diversity. This summer, they will host Scotland at the 57,000-capacity Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, Wales at the 25,000-seater Estadio San Juan de Bicentenario in San Juan, and England at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero, which accommodates approximately 30,000 spectators.

Perhaps most impressive is the availability of Estadio Mas Monumental, the Buenos Aires home of River Plate football club, which stands as South Americas largest stadium with capacity exceeding 85,000. This venue alone could provide the tournament with a spectacular centerpiece capable of matching the grandeur of previous World Cup finals.

The competition for hosting rights promises to be intense, with multiple nations expressing serious interest. Japan and Spain have recently confirmed their intention to submit bids, while Italy has previously indicated interest in hosting. Perhaps most intriguingly, rumors circulate about a potential joint Middle East bid incorporating Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which would represent another first for the tournament.

World Rugbys recent hosting decisions suggest a balanced approach between maximizing commercial returns and expanding into new markets. Japan successfully staged the tournament for the first time in 2019, while the United States will host in 2031. These selections demonstrate World Rugbys commitment to globalizing the sport while maintaining financial sustainability.

France and Australia, hosts for 2023 and 2027 respectively, represent more traditional rugby markets that have previously staged the tournament, indicating World Rugbys willingness to alternate between established and emerging markets. This pattern could favor Argentinas bid as representing genuine expansion into an untapped continental market.

The selection timeline extends over the next several months, with formal applications expected in the latter half of 2026. Following comprehensive site visits and assessments, World Rugby will identify a preferred host in May 2027, with the final decision subject to voting in November 2027.

For Argentina and South America, this represents more than just a sporting opportunity—it symbolizes recognition of the regions rugby development and passion, potentially inspiring further growth across the continent.