Argentina is taking the lead in a historic South American bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, forming a collaborative effort with neighbouring nations Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. This ambitious proposal aims to bring the prestigious tournament to the continent for the first time, following the upcoming editions in Australia in 2027 and the United States in 2031.
World Rugby's Assessment and Timeline
World Rugby's chief executive, Alan Gilpin, is currently visiting Argentina to conduct a thorough technical analysis of the nation's feasibility as a host. This visit represents a crucial step in evaluating the region's readiness and infrastructure capabilities for such a major global sporting event.
Formal applications for the hosting rights are anticipated to be submitted this autumn. The selection process will then advance, with a preferred host scheduled to be identified in May 2027. Final approval from World Rugby's council is expected to be granted the following November, setting the stage for the 13th edition of the tournament.
A Transnational Legacy Project
Gabriel Travaglini, president of Argentina's rugby union, emphasised the significance of the bid, describing it as a federal objective and a legacy project that transcends national borders. "Welcoming Alan Gilpin to advance this technical analysis is a fundamental step in demonstrating that the region is ready," Travaglini stated.
"We want a World Cup that reflects the passion and development that rugby has achieved in every corner of our territory," he added, highlighting the growth of the sport across South America.
Argentina's Rugby Credentials
Argentina presents a compelling case as a host nation, backed by a strong rugby pedigree. The national team, currently ranked fifth in the world—one place above England—has reached the Rugby World Cup semi-finals on three occasions, underscoring their competitive prowess.
Recent performances further bolster their credentials:
- In October, Argentina were narrowly defeated 29-27 by South Africa in a thrilling Rugby Championship final at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
- In August, they secured a historic first-ever home Test victory over New Zealand, triumphing 29-23 against the All Blacks.
Competition and Context
The South American bid is not without rivals. Other contenders shaping up for the 2035 hosting rights include Japan, Spain, Italy, and a potential combined bid from the Middle East. This sets the stage for a competitive selection process as World Rugby evaluates the best candidate to follow the USA in 2031.
The upcoming tournaments provide context: the 2027 World Cup will be staged in Australia, featuring South American representatives Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. South Africa, the current back-to-back champion after victories in 2019 and 2023, exemplifies the global reach and prestige of the event that Argentina and its partners aspire to host.
