Spain bids for Rugby World Cup with Nou Camp final
Spain has submitted a bid to host the 2035 men’s Rugby World Cup, proposing major football grounds including Barcelona’s Nou Camp and Real Madrid’s Bernabeu as venues. The revamped Nou Camp could host the final, potentially making it the first World Cup final played before more than 100,000 spectators.
The Spanish Rugby Federation says the tournament could build on Spain’s role in the 2030 Fifa World Cup and help grow rugby, with a goal of tripling participation by 2035. Spain has put forward 14 stadiums, to be narrowed to nine or 10 if its bid succeeds; Argentina and Japan are also bidding, and World Rugby expects to announce its preferred candidate in 2027. Spain has qualified for the 2027 tournament, its first men’s World Cup appearance since 1999.
- Spain is bidding to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
- The Nou Camp could stage a final before over 100,000 fans.
- Argentina and Japan are also competing to host.
New here? Start with this
The men’s Rugby World Cup is an international tournament held every four years, organised by World Rugby. Countries bid to host it, offering stadiums and plans for running the competition.
Spain’s bid includes large football grounds as well as other stadiums. The Spanish Rugby Federation says hosting could raise rugby’s profile and help increase the number of people playing the sport; Spain is also due to co-host the 2030 football World Cup.
Argentina and Japan are also seeking to host the 2035 tournament. World Rugby is expected to choose its preferred candidate in 2027, and Spain’s men have qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, their first appearance since 1999.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Hosting the Rugby World Cup could raise the sport’s profile in Spain, attract new players and supporters, and make use of major stadiums and experience gained from the 2030 Fifa World Cup. A final at the Nou Camp could also give rugby an unusually large audience and a memorable setting.
The case against
A tournament on this scale could be costly and complex, and filling large football stadiums for rugby may be difficult if the sport’s following does not grow as hoped. Critics could argue that resources and attention would be better directed towards strengthening clubs, facilities and participation before Spain takes on the expense and expectations of hosting a World Cup.