The 2036 Olympic Race
The race to host the 2036 Olympics is on
The International Olympic Committee (IOC)confirmed on October 6 that seven countries have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Africa, South Korea and Türkiye.
None has yet been selected as a formal candidate. The IOC classifies them as Interested Parties, currently engaged in Continuous Dialogue. Other countries have until October 31, 2026, to declare their interest.
Seven countries, seven different propositions
Each country brings a distinct case. Qatar points to its existing infrastructure, claiming that more than 95% of the required competition venues are already in place. Germany brings Olympic hosting experience, while India is building its international sporting ambitions around Ahmedabad and the 2030 Common wealth Games.
South Africa hopes to become the first African country to host the Summer Olympics. South Korea brings experience from Seoul 1988 and PyeongChang 2018, Türkiye is pursuing another opportunity following five unsuccessful bids by Istanbul, and Hungary is drawing on its Olympic tradition and renewed hosting ambitions.
How the selection process works
The IOC has revised its host-selection system to include three stages. Continuous Dialogue is already underway,with countries developing proposals covering infrastructure, financing, athlete experience and government support.
Strategic Dialogue, the newly introduced stage, is expected to begin in March 2027. The IOC will shortlist Interested Parties for closer technical and financial assessment.
Targeted Dialogue is expected to begin in December 2028, when one or more Preferred Hosts enter final discussions aheadof the host election in mid-2029.
What comes next?
The first major decision arrives in March 2027, when the IOC is expected to determine which proposals advance to Strategic Dialogue. Seven countries have expressed interest.The next question is which can turn their ambitions into a credible Olympic hosting plan.
Bibliography
- International Olympic Committee (2026, October 6). IOC sets out next steps for selecting 2036 Olympic Games host. https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-sets-out-next-steps-for-selecting-2036-olympic-games-host
- International Olympic Committee (2026, June 24). Olympic Games host selection process made fit for the future. https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/olympic-games-host-selection-process-made-fit-for-the-future
- Qatar Olympic Committee (2025, July 22). Qatar Olympic Committee confirms participation in dialogue process for 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
https://www.olympic.qa/media-center/qatar-olympic-committee-confirms-participation-dialogue-process-2036-olympic-and - Common wealth Sport (2025). Amdavad 2030 Common wealth Games.
https://www.commonwealthsport.com/commonwealth-games/amdavad-2030 - International Olympic Committee (2024, December 2). Olympic Highlights — 02-12-2024.
https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/olympic-highlights-02-12-2024 - Reuters (2024, July 26). 'Miraculous' Istanbul hopes fifth time's a charm for 2036 Games, says mayor.
https://www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/miraculous-istanbul-hopes-fifth-times-charm-2036-games-says-mayor-2024-07-26/ - Reuters (2017, March 1). Budapest withdraws bid to host 2024 Olympic Games.
https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/budapest-withdraws-bid-to-host-2024-olympic-games-idUSKBN16842H/ - Associated Press (2023). Track world championships the latest play by Orbán's Hungary for global sports spotlight. https://apnews.com/article/910004fbf3f0adb00a497e23a784cdfe
- Reuters (2026, October 6). India among seven countries vying for 2036 Olympics, IOC says. Channel News Asia. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/india-among-seven-countries-vying-2036-olympics-ioc-says-6436191