Argentina make bid to host Rugby World Cup in 2035 as Los Pumas try to bring tournament to South America for the first time
Published 18/03/2026 at 15:13 GMT
Argentina have announced their intention to bid for the Rugby World Cup, which if successful would be the first time the tournament would be held in South America. France played host to the last edition in 2023, with the next tournament in 2027 being held in Australia. Argentina are aiming for the 2035 tournament - but they might not be the only South American country to host games if successful.
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The destination for the 2035 Rugby World Cup remains up for grabs, with Argentina making a play to host the tournament for the first time.
Since joining the Rugby Championship in 2011, Argentina have gone from strength to strength, and have not been the de facto underdogs in the annual competition against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia for quite some time.
They have reached at least the quarter-finals of the World Cup five times, making it to the semi-finals on three occasions.
But the World Cup has not yet been hosted by South America, something Argentina would like to change.
They are making a bid to host the tournament in 2035, with the intention to share matches with the likes of Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
"As part of the strategic strengthening of regional rugby, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) is moving forward with its official bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup," a statement by the UAR said.
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"This project is led by Argentina for the entire region and is being developed in conjunction with Sudamerica Rugby to integrate the unions of Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, consolidating a proposal that reflects the development of South American rugby.
"To further this process, a working session will be held with the participation of Alan Gilpin, CEO of World Rugby, who is visiting the country to continue analysing the feasibility of Argentina as a host for the top global event.
"The meeting and analysis sessions will be attended by Gabriel Travaglini, President of the UAR; Felix Paez Molina, Vice President of the UAR; Agustin Pichot, member of the World Rugby Council and of the SANZAAR EXCO; and Sol Iglesias, General Manager of the UAR."
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The next World Cup in 2027 is being played in Australia, while the 2031 edition is set to take place in the United States.
Australia have previously hosted the tournament back in 2003, while 2031 will be the first time the World Cup heads to the US. France and Japan hosted the last two editions of the tournament, in 2023 and 2019 respectively.
South Africa are the World Cup holders, having beaten New Zealand at the Stade de France. Argentina lost to the All Blacks at the semi-final stage, with their best World Cup result a third-place finish in 2007.
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South Africa's flanker and captain Siya Kolisi (C) lifts the Webb Ellis Cup as he celebrates winning the France 2023 Rugby World Cup final match against New Zealand
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Japan, Spain and Italy are all rumoured to be interested in hosting the tournament.
Italy have never hosted a Rugby World Cup match, despite having been part of the Six Nations Championship since 2000.
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