USA will host World Rugby’s new global tournament debuting in Denver, CO on 4th of July, with Charlotte and Cary, NC to also subsequent matches of the Nations Cup,
The USA matches for the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup this summer have been set. With matches set to take place on July 4th, 11th, and 18th, world-class men’s rugby returns to Denver, Colorado, and Charlotte and Cary, North Carolina.
On July 4th, at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Denver, the USA will host Portugal, while Tonga will face Zimbabwe as part of a double-header at Colorado's 30th annual 4thFEST.
The following week at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, Zimbabwe will battle the USA on July 11th, finishing with the Eagles clash against Spain at Cary’s First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on July 18th.
Tickets for all matches will go on Pre-sale on Tuesday, April 7th, with general sale following on Thursday, April 9th at 10am local time (EDT in North Carolina, MDT in Colorado). Fans can register to get early access to tickets at https://go.usa.rugby/nations-cup-2026-presale.
All matches will be available to US viewers on Paramount+.
The competition sees the 12 qualified unions for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 compete in a structured environment designed to accelerate competitiveness and create certainty of meaningful annual test fixtures. The Nations Cup gives teams an annual platform to test themselves against RWC opposition, refine systems, and develop experience ahead of Australia 2027.
USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren commented,
“Consistent competition for our senior national teams continues to be a primary goal at USA Rugby, as we look to grow on the global stage. The World Rugby Nations Cup and these first three fixtures at home are excellent opportunities for our Men's Eagles, and for USA fans to gather around them. With the series kicking off during our national holiday, we're thrilled to play in the USA and celebrate with our rugby community.”
The 12 participating unions will compete in two pools of six, ensuring a consistent, meaningful calendar across the July and November international windows.
Pool A – Americas & Pacific pool – features Canada, Chile, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay, and the USA, bringing together fast‐growing unions across both hemispheres.
Pool B – Europe, Asia & Africa pool – comprisesGeorgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Zimbabwe, creating a competitive cross‐regional group with diverse playing styles and passionate supporter bases.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson added;
“The inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup is a major milestone for the global game. The competition is creating unprecedented opportunities for these promising teams to test themselves, build experience, inspire supporters home and away, and grow their commercial footprint. Staging the first half of the tournament across the Americas reflects the enormous potential of the region, from the deep passion of South American fans to the outstanding venues and growing interest in the North. This is a tournament built on growth, connection, and the belief that every union should have a clear pathway to compete and thrive at the highest level.”
(Kick off times in local time)
July 4th | USA vs Portugal
DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, CO - 7:00pm
July 11th | USA vs Zimbabwe
American Legion Memorial Stadium, Charlotte, NC - 7:30pm
July 18th | USA vs Spain
First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC - 7:30pm
