Rugby fans are already thinking about the next era of World Cups, with a few hosts already on the horizon.
But attention is starting to shift further ahead, where a new group of nations — and even entire regions — are quietly positioning themselves for a future shot at glory.
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Australia 2027: The Golden Decade Begins
Australia will host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, kicking off a “golden decade” of major sporting events Down Under.
Expanded format: The tournament grows from 20 to 24 teams, split into six pools, with a new round of 16 knockout stage.
Host cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.
Final destination: Sydney’s Accor Stadium, capacity 82,000, will stage both semi-finals and the final.
Economic boost: Organisers expect 250,000 international visitors and over AUD 1.3 billion in direct visitor spend.
The challenge? Balancing logistics across such a vast country while ensuring the expanded tournament delivers quality alongside quantity.
USA 2031: Rugby Goes Stateside
For the first time, the Rugby World Cup heads to America in 2031.
Biggest market yet: The U.S. brings colossal stadiums, broadcast potential and commercial opportunities.
Format: Same as 2027 — 24 teams and 16-team knockout.
Opportunities: Growing grassroots rugby, Major League Rugby clubs, and the global exposure of playing in NFL-sized venues.
Challenges: Competing with the NFL, college football, and MLB for stadium dates. Also, ensuring a rugby atmosphere in cavernous arenas not built with the sport in mind.
It’s a gamble — but one World Rugby hopes will pay off by finally cracking America.
The Race for 2035: Who’s Next?
After Australia and the USA, attention turns to 2035. With Europe likely in line for rotation, several heavyweights and ambitious newcomers are circling.
Spain
- Pros: Global tourism hotspot, renovated mega-stadiums like Camp Nou (105,000) and the Bernabéu, strong transport links.
- Cons: Rugby is still developing domestically, and stadium scheduling around La Liga will be a challenge.
England
- Pros: Already proven hosts (1991, 2015), Twickenham and Premier League stadiums ready, huge rugby fanbase and guaranteed sell-outs.
- Cons: World Rugby may want novelty rather than another return to a traditional powerhouse.
Italy
- Pros: Strong Six Nations presence, passionate northern rugby culture, decent stadium network.
- Cons: Infrastructure upgrades needed, less global tourism pull than Spain, not as commercially lucrative.
Gulf States (Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia)
- Pros: Enormous financial backing, modern stadiums, appetite to host mega-events, first World Cup in the Middle East.
- Cons: Climate challenges (September/October heat), little local rugby tradition, political and human rights concerns.
South Africa
- Pros: Rugby-mad nation, rich history (1995, 2007), proven stadiums and atmosphere.
- Cons: Economic instability and World Rugby’s desire to spread the game could work against them.
Japan
- Pros: 2019 was a huge success, expanding rugby into Asia, with strong infrastructure and fan engagement.
- Cons: Hosting again so soon may be viewed as repetitive; some stadiums still smaller compared to European options.
POLL:
RUCK’s 2035 Power Rankings
So, who’s favourite to land the World Cup in 2035? Here’s how we see it right now:
- Spain – Momentum, mega stadiums, and a fresh European flavour.
- England – Safe hands, guaranteed revenue, but less novelty.
- Gulf States – Financial muscle could sway World Rugby, but major hurdles remain.
- Italy – Solid option, but may be overshadowed by Spain.
- South Africa – A classic rugby nation, though political and economic issues are obstacles.
- Japan – Proven host, but unlikely to return so soon after 2019.
