The match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park marks a key moment for rugby in Denver and the USA's World Cup aspirations
Category: Sports
The Nations Cup rugby match between the USA Men’s Eagles and Portugal is set to take place on July 4, 2026, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver. This highly anticipated match coincides with America’s Independence Day celebrations, presenting a unique opportunity for the Eagles to showcase their skills on home soil.
Denver, a city with deep roots in rugby, is positioning itself as a potential host for the 2031 Men’s and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cups, marking the first time these prestigious tournaments will be held in the United States. National team captain Jason Damm expressed optimism about the match, stating, “We had that great moment at Dick’s last year where we qualified for the World Cup (by beating Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup). Any opportunity to get out here, sort of in the middle of the country, feels like a connection point for the nation.”
As the USA Rugby team gears up for the Nations Cup, they are looking to build momentum leading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where they aim to improve upon their historical performance. The Eagles have struggled in past tournaments, failing to advance past the pool stage in their six World Cup appearances, with a dismal record of 2-21. Coach Scott Lawrence emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, stating, “We want to be able to compete at a Tier 1 level around our set piece. We feel like we have the players and the athletes to do that.”
With the match against Portugal, the Eagles are looking to secure a victory against an opponent that recently claimed the Rugby Europe Men’s Championship title. Portugal has shown impressive form, winning their last seven matches, and will be a formidable competitor. Damm noted the significance of the match, saying, “It’s a good way to kick off this Nations Cup.”
The Nations Cup, featuring teams from across the globe, is a stepping stone toward the World Cup. The USA will also face Zimbabwe on July 11 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Spain on July 18 in Cary, North Carolina. Each match is an opportunity for the Eagles to establish themselves as a competitive force in international rugby.
In Denver, rugby culture is thriving, with the city being home to 'Rugbytown USA' and the first rugby-specific stadium in the U.S., Infinity Park, located in Glendale. The venue has hosted numerous rugby events and is a symbol of the sport's growth in the region. Colorado’s women’s team, the Denver Onyx, are the reigning champions of Women’s Elite Rugby, adding to the state's rugby legacy.
Meanwhile, the local rugby community is eager to support the Eagles. Ethan McVeigh, a scrumhalf for the national team, highlighted the importance of local support, stating, “We want to show that rugby is growing in America.”
The USA Rugby team’s aspirations for the World Cup extend beyond the immediate matches. In March 2025, the Denver Sports Commission hosted delegates from World Rugby as part of its bid to host the 2031 Men’s and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cups. Matthew Payne, executive director of the commission, noted, “We’ll continue to work with World Rugby on portions of the bid as they request them.” The competition for hosting rights is fierce, with 27 cities having entered the application phase.
World Rugby is expected to announce the formal candidates for host cities by the end of this year, with the final decisions following the Rugby World Cup in 2027. Denver is vying for a spot among eight to ten cities that will be selected as hosts for the men's tournament. Should Denver be chosen, Empower Field would host matches, with Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Infinity Park serving as training venues.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the World Cup bids, the Eagles are focused on improving their performance in international play. Recent struggles have prompted a renewed commitment to building a competitive team capable of advancing in future tournaments. The Eagles’ performance in the Nations Cup will be closely monitored as a gauge of their readiness for the upcoming World Cup.
Looking ahead, the Eagles aim to leverage the Nations Cup to refine their skills and develop team cohesion. The match against Portugal is just the beginning, with subsequent matches against Zimbabwe and Spain providing additional opportunities to build momentum. Damm expressed the hope that success in these matches would translate into a positive showing at the World Cup.
As the tournament progresses, the Eagles will need to demonstrate their ability to compete at a high level, particularly against teams that have historically performed well. The Nations Cup serves as a platform for the USA to showcase its growth in rugby and establish itself as a serious contender on the international stage.
With the match against Portugal fast approaching, the Eagles are preparing to take the field with determination and a sense of purpose. The July 4 match is a chance to celebrate American independence and an opportunity to mark a new chapter in the USA’s rugby history. As Damm stated, “It’s about building toward the World Cup and showing the world what American rugby is capable of.”
The first whistle blows at 7 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and attention will turn to the Eagles as they aim to make a strong statement in front of their home crowd.