Rome enters 2029 Worlds race as London confirms bid

London has formally submitted its bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships after reaching an agreement with West Ham to use their stadium, the Guardian reported on Thursday. The British capital will face Rome, Munich and Nairobi in the contest, with the host city to be announced in September.

Rome's candidacy places Italy at the centre of a global sporting decision that carries significant weight for the country's athletics infrastructure and its broader ambitions as a host of major events. The Italian capital has been positioning itself for a return to the international sporting calendar, and a successful bid would bring the world's premier track and field competition to the Stadio Olimpico.

The Guardian's report noted that London's agreement with West Ham was a key step in making its bid viable, allowing the city to offer a major stadium without the cost of a new build. That pragmatic approach contrasts with the scale of the undertaking facing Rome, where existing venues would require upgrades to meet World Athletics standards.