The South American nation has formally announced its intention to stage the competition, with plans to lead a regional proposal that could also include Uruguay, Chile and Brazil.
Should that bid win approval, it would push the next available hosting opportunity for Wales even further into the future—potentially as late as 2039, meaning a 13-year wait before the Principality Stadium might again stage the sport’s biggest event.
World Rugby has confirmed that the 2035 host will be decided in November 2027, with Australia set to stage the 2027 tournament and the United States hosting in 2031.
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That leaves 2035 as the next realistic opportunity for a European nation to step forward—but Argentina’s move could reshape those expectations.
For Wales, the implications are significant. While the country boasts one of rugby’s most iconic venues in Cardiff, it is highly unlikely ever to be given main hosts status again as it was in 1999.
Instead, any future involvement would almost certainly come as part of a joint “Celtic” bid alongside Ireland and Scotland.
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Such a collaborative approach has been widely discussed in recent years, particularly after France hosted the 2023 tournament and England staged the event as recently as 2015.
With England unlikely to be granted hosting rights again in the near future, a multi-nation bid involving the other home unions is seen as the most viable route for Wales to bring the World Cup back.
However, if Argentina’s proposal is successful, that timeline shifts dramatically. A Celtic bid would then most likely target the 2039 edition at the earliest, extending the wait for Welsh fans to see World Cup matches on home soil.
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Argentina’s plans are rooted in a desire to grow the game across South America, a region that has made steady progress on the international stage.
The 2023 World Cup in France featured a record three South American teams—Argentina, Uruguay and Chile—and the same trio will compete again in Australia in 2027.
The bid is being driven by the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR), with support from Sudamérica Rugby, and will be assessed in detail during upcoming discussions with World Rugby officials.
A statement from the UAR read: “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.
“This project is led by Argentina for the entire region and is being developed in conjunction with Sudamérica 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 analyzing 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; Félix Páez Molina, Vice President of the UAR; Agustín Pichot, member of the World Rugby Council and of the SANZAAR EXCO; and Sol Iglesias, General Manager of the UAR.”
UAR president Gabriel Travaglini added: “The 2035 bid represents a federal objective and a legacy project that transcends our borders. Welcoming Alan Gilpin to advance this technical analysis is a fundamental step in demonstrating that the region is ready.
“We want a World Cup that reflects the passion and development that rugby has achieved in every corner of our territory.”
For World Rugby, awarding the tournament to South America would mark a historic expansion into a new market, aligning with its broader strategy to globalise the sport.
