World Cup 2031: why rugby is still far from conquering the United States

By Etienne Lair

22 Apr 2026, 12:47

“Rugby cannot stand still and must face the challenge of seducing the United States by the 2031 World Cup,” said Brett Robinson, president of World Rugby in an interview with AFP, highlighting the magnitude of the task at hand.

Despite hosting the World Cup in the United States in 5 years, the sport has not yet captured the mainstream audience. While the numbers look promising on paper, with impressive figures boasting over 800,000 licensees, 55 million fans, and over 3,100 clubs, the professional rugby structure in reality remains fragile.

Launched in 2017, the Major League Rugby (MLR) struggles to attract crowds. With only 6 franchises currently in existence, separated by thousands of kilometers, 6 other teams folded within a year due to economic reasons.

Is the United States lagging behind?

Kélian Galletier, former French international (34 years old, 6 caps), played in New Orleans in 2025 before the team disbanded. He noted that “As players, we had a professional rhythm, similar to what we have in France with weekend matches.”

“But the infrastructure needs to evolve and develop, along with stadium attendances.”

This situation reminds him of rugby in the 90s and 2000s, when the league was beginning to professionalize.

Can rugby truly develop?

In a country with a strong sports culture, rugby faces tough competition from basketball, baseball, tennis, and American football. The oval ball has its place, but needs assistance, particularly as the economy remains unstable. Clubs are still searching for a stable working model, mainly dependent on private investors.

“Everyone should be interested in developing rugby in the United States.”

The groundwork continues, aiming to build rugby culture in the US and attract new fans. World Rugby is investing time in expanding international matches, such as the upcoming clash between the South African world champions and the legendary All Blacks in Baltimore next September.

Behind the sporting challenge lies a much broader objective. Galletier sees the World Cup as “a great opportunity for the United States and World Rugby to accelerate this progress in North America.”

with AFP

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