Lorraine Williamson
Spain has officially stepped into the race to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, raising the prospect of one of global sport’s biggest tournaments being staged across Spanish cities within the next decade.
The Real Federación Española de Rugby presented Spain´s Rugby World Cup bid during the Spanish Rugby Gala 2026, held at the headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Committee in Madrid. The campaign is being promoted under the banner “Spain Connects Rugby”.
Spain wants to turn rugby ambition into a national project
The federation has described the bid as a country-wide project that brings together institutions, regions, and Spain’s rugby community. It aims to position Spain as a credible host for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
For Spain, this is about more than staging matches. It is also about using the tournament to grow rugby at home and strengthen the country’s place in the international game.
Spain already has a strong record of hosting major sporting events. Its stadium network, transport links, and tourism infrastructure could form a central part of the pitch.
Major Spanish stadiums could be part of the plan
According to RugbyPass, potential venues linked to Spain’s ambitions include the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Camp Nou in Barcelona, and La Cartuja in Seville.
That would give the bid instant scale. These are stadiums built for major crowds, international attention, and high-pressure logistics.
Spain is also preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Morocco. That experience could strengthen its case when rugby’s governing body weighs up long-term host options.
Why 2035 matters for rugby
World Rugby launched the official host selection process for the men’s 2035 Rugby World Cup in September 2025. The process began with expressions of interest and is expected to end with a final appointment by November 2027.
That gives Spain time to shape its proposal and build political, commercial, and sporting support.
The timing is interesting. Saudi Arabia recently dropped plans to pursue the 2035 tournament, according to The Guardian, potentially changing the field of contenders.
A bid with expat appeal
For British, Irish, French, and South African residents in Spain, the idea of a Rugby World Cup on Spanish soil is likely to spark real interest.
Rugby may not dominate Spain’s sporting landscape in the way football does. However, international tournaments can change visibility quickly. A successful bid could bring thousands of travelling fans, major tourism revenue, and a new audience for Spanish rugby.
Spain’s men’s team has appeared at the Rugby World Cup only once, in 1999. It has also suffered painful near-misses since then, including disqualifications linked to player eligibility issues.
Spain’s challenge is now credibility
The bid has ambition. The harder task will be proving that Spanish rugby can match the country’s infrastructure.
World Rugby will want more than stadiums. It will look at fan culture, commercial value, government backing, tournament legacy, and the ability to grow the sport.
Still, Spain has entered the conversation at a serious moment. If the bid gathers momentum, 2035 could become a landmark year for rugby in Spain.