Buenos Aires City was chosen to be the 2027 World Capital of Sport, the city government announced on Monday. 

The award, given by the European Association of Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES, by its Spanish acronym), recognizes cities with “exceptional dedication to promoting sport, health, and community engagement,” according to a statement.

“Being elected World Capital of Sport is a motive of pride,” said Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri during the announcement at Villa Soldati’s Olympic Park. “It puts us in a place of global leadership and puts us at the same table as the great capitals of the world”, 

According to the Buenos Aires City government statement, the award will “open the door for more investment and the opportunity of hosting major international sporting events.”

Macri went on to add that Buenos Aires was chosen on account of its sporting infrastructure and the position sport takes in Argentine society. Prior to the election, an Evaluation Committee toured stadiums, clubs, parks and public and private sports centers to learn about the infrastructure and activities taking place in Buenos Aires.

“With over 350 local clubs, federations, federations, development associations, and community leagues, Buenos Aires breathes sport in every corner,” he said.

The Buenos Aires City Mayor was accompanied by several current and former Argentine sporting figures such as former Puma Marcelo Bosch, Olympic Games gold medal-winning cyclist Walter Pérez, former Leonas hockey stars Vanina Oneto and Belén Succi, and figure skater Delfina Veljanovich, among others.

ACES, who in 2024 announced a strengthening of its ties to UNESCO for collaboration on sport development world-wide, has awarded the European Capitals of Sport since 2001, and the World Capital of Sport award since 2019. Previous winners include Abu Dhabi (2019), Madrid (2022) and Monaco (2025).

“Just as we were the home of the 1978 World Cup, the Copa América, the Dakar Rally and the Youth Olympic Games, today we are opening a door to receive new international events: cycling, skating, handball or swimming world championships, and iconic competitions such as Formula 1, Moto GP or the 2030 World Cup,” proclaimed Jorge Macri.