US Bid For World Cup
On June 10th, it was announced that the USA was accepted as bid candidates for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2031 and the Women’s World Cup in 2029. According to sources, the most likely of the bid years would be the 2031 competition, with Australia being heavy favorites for 2027.
Rugby is quite a new concept in the United States, but quickly taking off with the creation of Major League Rugby (MLR). The MLR may hold a blueprint for what we can expect from a US-hosted World Cup. During the MLR regular season, the newly created expansion team, Los Angeles Giltinis, hosted the Utah Warriors at the brand new, state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium. At $5.5 billion, SoFi Stadium is the most expensive venue to host a rugby match, and there’s plenty more from where that came from.
Across the US, 30 cities have offered to host if the US got the bid. That would include some of the most prestigious, expensive, and high-capacity stadiums in the world. According to Construction Dive, the United States has 8 of the ten most expensive stadiums built in the world, adjusted for inflation. State of the art is an understatement; these architectural masterpieces can bring together thousands of international fans to enjoy their amenities for a world-class fan experience. All while being in some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. Imagine the New Zealand All Blacks transcending on Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, known for its black façade; it’s a match made in heaven.
Hosting the World Cup in America would be a massive step for rugby in the US. It might be the thing that helps further stimulate and validate MLR’s attempts for professional rugby in the US. As rugby participation is rapidly increasing in America, the US Eagles may no longer be seen as a two-tier team. Japan was in a similar situation before they hosted the World Cup in 2019; they are now ranked in the top 10 according to World Rugby. With this bid, one thing is obvious; the US is no longer content with sitting on the sidelines with rugby. They intend and are drafting the blueprint to be a significant player in rugby for decades to come.