Spain names Bernabeu and Camp Nou in 2035 Rugby World Cup bid

Spain's rugby federation has proposed Madrid's Bernabeu and Barcelona's Camp Nou as possible venues in its bid to host the 2035 men's Rugby World Cup. The federation has submitted a detailed applicant questionnaire to World Rugby, which has yet to choose a preferred bidder.

Reuters reported that the questionnaire was submitted during October 2026. The federation put forward 14 stadiums, according to BBC Sport; the list would be reduced to nine or ten if Spain wins hosting rights. Bilbao's San Mames and Valencia's Mestalla are among the other proposed venues. These are candidate stadiums, rather than confirmed match assignments.

Camp Nou proposed for a possible final

BBC Sport reports that the revamped Camp Nou is in line to stage the final if Spain's bid succeeds. The proposal would still depend on World Rugby awarding Spain the tournament and settling the match venues. For Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao and Valencia, the federation's list sets out possible roles in the event; it does not establish which cities would stage matches.

The bid has LaLiga's support, according to Reuters and BBC Sport, while the BBC also reports backing from the Spanish government. Spain proposes drawing on infrastructure developed for the 2030 football World Cup, which it is due to co-host with Portugal and Morocco. Existing and planned football venues are therefore a significant part of its case to rugby's governing body.

World Rugby's 2035 host selection timetable

Argentina and Japan are also bidding for the 2035 tournament. World Rugby site visits and feasibility assessments are due to begin in December 2026, BBC Sport reports. A preferred candidate is expected in late spring or summer 2027, with a formal announcement expected during the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Spain's proposed stadiums remain subject to that selection process.

The Spanish federation says it aims to triple the number of people playing rugby in Spain by 2035 and establish the country as a Tier One rugby nation. Spain has qualified for the 2027 men's World Cup in Australia, its first appearance at the tournament since 1999. The 2031 men's tournament is scheduled to be held in the United States.