Spain Proposes Bernabeu and Camp Nou in Bold 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid
Spain includes iconic stadiums like Camp Nou and the Bernabeu in its ambitious bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, competing against Japan and South America.
POLICY WIRE — Madrid, Spain — Spain has officially put forward some of its most prominent football cathedrals, featuring Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou, as core venues for its ambitious campaign to secure the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
The Spanish Rugby Federation announced the details of the submission on Thursday, noting that the initiative arrives as the sport experiences substantial growth throughout the nation. Alongside the Bernabeu and Camp Nou, the proposed stadium lineup also incorporates Valencia’s Mestalla and Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano.
Positioned as a strong contender, Spain has emerged among the front-runners to land the tournament. Plans for the bid highlight staging the championship final at a newly revamped, 105,000-capacity Camp Nou located in Barcelona.
World Rugby initiated the host selection process for the 13th edition of the men’s tournament in September 2025, with expressions of interest opening the following month. As of October 12, 2026, three formal proposals have been declared, pitching Spain against rival bids from Japan and a joint South American effort led by Argentina.
Development efforts spanning infrastructure, transport networks, security operations, and volunteer initiatives will continue to advance ahead of 2035. These preparations rely heavily on utilizing Spain’s most recognizable and high-capacity sporting arenas to anchor the national bid.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
