The Women's Rugby World Cup is heading to the United States in 2033, and preparations are already underway for what promises to be a transformative event for women's rugby globally.
A Historic Moment for American Rugby
The decision to award the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup to the United States represents a strategic move by World Rugby to grow the sport in North America. Following the success of the 2031 edition in co-hosted Denmark, Iceland, and Norway, the US will become only the second nation outside traditional rugby heartlands to host the women's tournament.
Venue Considerations
USA Rugby is evaluating several cities and venues for the tournament:
Leading Candidates - **Los Angeles**: SoFi Stadium and surrounding facilities - **New York/New Jersey**: MetLife Stadium region - **Chicago**: Soldier Field and nearby venues - **San Francisco Bay Area**: Levi's Stadium complex
Venue Requirements - Minimum 30,000 capacity for knockout rounds - Training facilities within 30 minutes - Public transportation access - Hotel infrastructure for 16 teams
Format Expectations
Building on the 16-team format introduced in 2025, the 2033 tournament is expected to feature: - Group Stage: 4 groups of 4 teams - Knockout Rounds: Quarter-finals, semi-finals, bronze match, final - Duration: Approximately 6 weeks (September-October 2033)
Key Storylines to Watch
USA's Home Advantage The United States won the inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991 but has struggled to reach those heights since. A home tournament could be the catalyst for renewed success.
New Zealand's Dominance The Black Ferns enter 2033 as six-time champions. Can anyone challenge their dynasty?
England's Resurgence With their 2025 victory, England has established themselves as the primary challenger to New Zealand's supremacy.
Economic Impact
Projections suggest the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup could generate: - Direct economic impact: $200-300 million - Tourism: 100,000+ international visitors - Media reach: 500 million+ global viewers - Legacy programs: Grassroots rugby development across 50 states
Growing the Game
USA Rugby has committed to comprehensive legacy programs: - Youth rugby expansion in public schools - Women's rugby scholarship programs - Club infrastructure development - Coach and referee training initiatives
Conclusion
The 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup in the United States represents more than just a tournament—it's an opportunity to establish rugby as a mainstream sport in America while showcasing the best of women's rugby to a global audience.
Follow WorldCup2033.com for continued coverage of this exciting event.