2035 World Cup Host Race Is On — England and South Africa Go Head-to-Head

The road to 2035 kicks off in October 2025, when nations will be invited to express their interest, before culminating in the final announcement in November 2027.

Confirming a host eight years out is now standard World Rugby practice, designed to maximise value, boost global reach, and keep the Rugby World Cup as one of the planet’s premier sporting spectacles.

The Rugby World Cup isn’t just a tournament – it’s the sport’s financial powerhouse.

RWC 2023 in France smashed records with 2.3 million fans attending, 1.33 billion viewing hours worldwide, and a record £472m surplus pumped back into the game. It also delivered a staggering €1.8bn in spending and an €871m net economic gain for France, alongside major community and fan-driven initiatives.

World Rugby says this new model – working closely with governments, unions and venues well in advance – ensures commercial strength, event consistency and long-term growth.

World Rugby has set four guiding principles: commercial optimisation, operational control, contractual certainty, and transparency. In other words – big money, secure deals, and a fair fight.

Spain is emerging as a dark horse in the race to host Rugby World Cup 2035. With its status as a global tourism hotspot, the country can offer visitors a combination of world-class cities, iconic cultural landmarks and easy travel. Crucially, it boasts renovated mega-stadiums like the Camp Nou in Barcelona (105,000 capacity) and the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, as well as excellent transport links across the country.

The main challenge lies in rugby’s relatively modest domestic presence compared to football. Scheduling matches around La Liga fixtures could also prove tricky. Still, Spain’s blend of glamour and infrastructure makes it a genuine contender.

England is the tried-and-tested option. Having hosted in 1991 and 2015, it already has the blueprint for a successful tournament. Twickenham Stadium, alongside a network of Premier League grounds, means facilities are top class. The country’s huge rugby fanbase almost guarantees sell-outs, ensuring World Rugby a financial win.

But therein lies the drawback – it may simply be too safe. With calls to diversify hosting and explore new frontiers, a third Rugby World Cup in England within 45 years could feel repetitive to some stakeholders.

Italy is another Six Nations nation keen to throw its hat in the ring. The country has a passionate rugby following in the north, with cities like Treviso and Parma forming the heart of its domestic game. Italy can also point to a solid network of stadiums, including Serie A grounds that could be adapted for rugby.

However, infrastructure upgrades would be required, and commercially it may not pack the same punch as Spain. Italy’s cultural appeal is undeniable, but in the high-stakes world of Rugby World Cup hosting, it may struggle to outshine its Iberian neighbour.

The Gulf States bring financial muscle to the table like no other. Backed by enormous investment, they can offer gleaming, modern stadiums and the opportunity for the first Rugby World Cup in the Middle East. For World Rugby, that global expansion narrative is tempting.

Yet, the challenges are considerable. The searing September and October heat could make conditions extremely tough. Add to that the lack of a deep-rooted rugby culture and ongoing political and human rights concerns, and the bid may face intense scrutiny.

Few nations embody rugby like South Africa. The Springboks are global icons, and the country’s role as hosts of the 1995 Rugby World Cup remains one of the sport’s most celebrated chapters. Stadiums across the nation are proven from both rugby and football World Cups, and the atmosphere would be electric.

But while South Africa’s passion is unquestionable, the nation faces economic instability and political uncertainty that could weigh heavily in World Rugby’s decision-making. The governing body may also lean toward taking the tournament to new markets instead of returning to a traditional powerhouse.

Japan lit up the rugby world in 2019, delivering one of the most memorable World Cups in history. The tournament expanded rugby’s reach in Asia, sparked new fan engagement, and proved that so-called “non-traditional” nations can host with flair. Japan’s infrastructure, transport and hospitality also remain strong assets.

However, a return just 16 years later might feel premature. Some stadiums are smaller than their European counterparts, and World Rugby may judge that it’s too soon for a repeat appearance in Asia.