Seven Countries Including Germany, India and South Korea Show Interest in Hosting 2036 Olympics

The race to host the 2036 Summer Olympics is beginning to take shape, with the International Olympic Committee confirming on October 6 that seven countries have expressed an interest in hosting the Games.

Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa and Türkiye are currently in continuous dialogue with the IOC over their potential bids. The announcement marks a major step forward in the selection process for the 2036 Games.

According to the IOC's latest schedule, the seven interested parties will present their Olympic projects to the Future Host Commission in November. Their proposals will be evaluated on several factors, including venue master plans, athlete experience, funding strategies, political and public support, Games-delivery capabilities and long-term legacy plans.

Other countries interested in hosting the 2036 Olympics have until October 31, 2026, to declare their interest. In March 2027, the IOC Executive Board is expected to narrow the field based on feasibility assessments and move selected candidates into a more detailed strategic dialogue.

Preferred hosts are expected to enter targeted dialogue in 2028, with the final host of the 2036 Olympics scheduled to be elected by IOC members in mid-2029.

The current field is notable for its geographic diversity.

India is one of the most closely watched candidates. The country hopes to host the Summer Olympics for the first time, with Ahmedabad at the center of its Olympic ambitions. India has already formally expressed its interest in hosting the Games and is developing experience through major international sporting events.

Qatar is another major contender. Doha previously hosted the 2006 Asian Games and Qatar successfully staged the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The country hopes to build on its existing sports infrastructure and experience with major international events to make a strong Olympic bid.

If successful, Qatar could become the first country in the Gulf region to host the Summer Olympics. However, the region's extreme summer temperatures could require the Games to be held outside the traditional July-August period.

Germany's bid is currently centered on Munich. The German Olympic Sports Confederation selected Munich on September 26 to represent the country in the international process. Germany is considering the 2036, 2040 and 2044 Games as potential targets.

Munich has previous Olympic experience, having hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics.

South Korea also has extensive experience hosting major international sporting events. Seoul hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics, while PyeongChang hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics. A successful bid would therefore build on a long history of Olympic organization.

South Africa's potential bid carries particular historical significance. If successful, the country would become the first African nation to host the Olympic Games.

South Africa previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup, giving it experience in organizing major international sporting events.

Hungary and Türkiye are also seeking to strengthen their Olympic ambitions. Türkiye has made several previous attempts to host the Summer Olympics, with Istanbul reaching the final stages of the bidding process in the past. Hungary has a strong Olympic sporting tradition but has never hosted the Summer Games.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry has emphasized that athletes must remain at the center of the Olympic planning process. The new selection system also places greater emphasis on athlete experience, long-term benefits and the legacy that the Games can leave for host communities.

The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, followed by Brisbane in 2032. With the 2036 selection process now entering a new phase, competition among Germany, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa, Hungary and Türkiye is expected to intensify.

At this stage, it remains impossible to predict which country will ultimately win the right to host the 2036 Games. Each candidate will need to demonstrate strong capabilities in areas including financing, infrastructure, public support, sustainability and athlete welfare.

As the shortlist begins to take shape in 2027, the race for the 2036 Olympics is expected to become increasingly competitive, with the final decision not expected until the middle of 2029.