Countries Compete to Host 2036 Summer Olympics

Seven countries are vying to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, with several looking to host the event for the first time. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revealed that discussions are ongoing with Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa, and Turkey.

The IOC has modified the host selection process. Nations have until October 31 to declare their interest. Those already in discussions will present their proposals in November. The IOC will then shortlist candidates by March 2027. Preferred hosts will be picked for further negotiations in December 2028. The final vote will occur in mid-2029.

Host selection will consider factors like sporting facilities, funding, political and public backing, and benefits for host communities. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that athletes must remain central to Olympic planning. Below are details of the seven countries bidding to host the Games and the cities featured in their proposals.

Germany: Munich

Munich seeks to host the Olympics again, having held the Games in 1972. The German Olympic Sports Confederation chose Munich over the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region on September 26. Germany is open to hosting in 2036, 2040, or 2044, leveraging existing infrastructure with minimal new construction needed. Proposed venues include Munich’s Olympic Park, the English Garden, and Nymphenburg Palace.

Hungary: Budapest

Budapest hopes to host its first Olympics after several failed attempts. The city has hosted events like the 2022 World Aquatics and 2023 World Athletics Championships. Hungary’s proposal focuses on using existing facilities, perhaps extending competitions beyond its borders into Austria and Slovakia.

Hungarian Olympic Committee President Zsolt Gyulay has urged discussions on the project’s feasibility. Political support is uncertain after Hungary’s recent government change.

India: Ahmedabad

India aims to host its first Olympics with Ahmedabad as the host city. Ahmedabad will hold the 2030 Commonwealth Games, confirmed as host in November 2025. The city features the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi supports the Olympic bid to enhance sporting infrastructure and athletics participation. In August, Modi highlighted the government’s focus on the 2036 Games and discovering new athletic talent.

Qatar: Doha

Qatar seeks to host the first Middle Eastern Olympics. It previously hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2006 Asian Games, with plans for the Asian Games in 2030. Qatar cites Doha’s sports facilities and hosting experience as proposal strengths.

Fatima Al Kuwari, CEO of Doha 2036 Bid Committee, emphasized Qatar’s track record and athlete-centric plans. The country’s climate, however, may necessitate holding the Games outside July and August, similar to the 2022 World Cup.

South Korea: Jeonju and Seoul

South Korea aims to reprise its Summer Olympics role after Seoul hosted the 1988 Games and Pyeongchang the 2018 Winter Olympics. In February 2025, Jeonju was chosen as a host city, beating Seoul.

Concerns about Jeonju led to talks of a joint bid with Seoul. On October 7, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon showed openness to collaborative hosting, though logistics concerning travel between the venues remain unsolved.

South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban

South Africa could host the Olympics for the first time with its multi-city proposal. Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are key locations. The country hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its capability.

In March, President Barry Hendricks of the South African Sports Confederation confirmed bid preparations, endorsed by the government. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie advocates for Africa’s representation on the global stage.

Turkey: Istanbul

Istanbul seeks to host the Olympics following past unsuccessful bids. The city plans to host the 2027 European Games, highlighting its venues and major event experience. In 2025, Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak emphasized Turkey’s commitment to becoming an Olympic host.

Upcoming Olympic Hosts

While the 2036 host remains undecided, future Olympic sites are known:

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

Los Angeles secured the 2028 Games in 2017, with Brisbane chosen in 2021 for 2032. The IOC selected the French Alps and Salt Lake City for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics in 2024.