Countries Competing to Host 2036 Summer Olympics

Seven nations are vying to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) disclosed that Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa, and Turkey are contenders. Several hope to host the event for the first time.

The IOC has updated its host selection method. Countries must declare interest by October 31, with ongoing discussions initiated. In November, current candidates will present proposals. A shortlist will be crafted by March 2027.

Preferred hosts face further talks in December 2028. The final vote occurs in 2029. The IOC evaluates proposals based on sporting facilities, funding, political and public backing, and long-term benefits for the host communities.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated, “Athletes must always be central to our endeavors for the Games.”

Here are the countries aiming to host and the cities featured in their proposals:

Germany: Munich

Munich, Bavaria’s capital, seeks to host for a second time, previously hosting in 1972. Selected by the German Olympic Sports Confederation on September 26, Munich’s bid beat the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region.

Germany considers hosting in 2036, 2040, or 2044. Its proposal emphasizes existing infrastructure, minimizing new construction. The Olympic Park, originally built for 1972, would host nearly half of the events.

Additional proposed locations include the English Garden and Nymphenburg Palace.

Hungary: Budapest

Budapest hopes to host its inaugural Olympics, having previously made unsuccessful attempts. Budapest has hosted significant sporting events like the 2022 World Aquatics Championships and 2023 World Athletics Championships.

The emerging proposal highlights using existing venues rather than constructing new ones. Some competitions could occur outside Hungary, including in Austria and Slovakia.

Hungarian Olympic Committee President Zsolt Gyulay calls for talks between city and national officials on the project’s feasibility. Political backing remains uncertain due to a government change.

India: Ahmedabad

India seeks its first Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad in Gujarat proposed as the host city. Already confirmed for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Ahmedabad houses the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket stadium globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi supports India’s Olympic bid, viewing it as a chance to enhance sporting infrastructure and increase athletic participation. He voiced ambitions for the 2036 Games during an August speech, detailing plans to cultivate young sports talent.

Qatar: Doha

Qatar aims to host Olympics in the Middle East for the first time. It previously hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2006 Asian Games, with plans for the 2030 Asian Games. Doha’s credibility in hosting international events bolsters its bid.

“This is just the beginning of a long journey in which we hope to build on Qatar’s proven track record,” remarked Fatima Al Kuwari, CEO of Doha 2036 Bid Committee.

Qatar’s climate poses challenges, possibly requiring event schedule adjustments.

South Korea: Jeonju and Seoul

South Korea eyes hosting again after the 1988 Seoul Games. North Jeolla Province designated Jeonju as the main host over Seoul in the internal selection process.

Concerns about accommodation, transport, and facilities prompt joint hosting exploration with Seoul, 200 kilometers away. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon showed openness to collaborative hosting, despite unresolved arrangements and potential IOC travel concerns.

South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban

South Africa attempts to become the first African Olympic host. Like South Korea, multi-city hosting is proposed, involving Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.

Past major events include the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Preparations for 2036 and 2040 bids are underway.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie advocates African hosting to showcase the continent.

Turkey: Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest metropolis, is again bidding after previous failures. The city transverses Europe and Asia. Supported by plans to host the 2027 European Games, Turkey emphasizes Istanbul’s facilities and hosting experience.

Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, in 2025 discussions, labeled Istanbul as a strong candidate.

Future Olympic Locations

Hosts for upcoming Olympics are confirmed:

• 2028 Summer Olympics: Los Angeles, California, USA.
• 2030 Winter Olympics: French Alps, France.
• 2032 Summer Olympics: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
• 2034 Winter Olympics: Salt Lake City-Utah, USA.

Los Angeles received the 2028 Games in 2017. Brisbane was chosen for 2032, while Salt Lake City and the French Alps were picked for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games in July 2024.