Full Breakdown
Munich Chosen as Germany’s Candidate to Bid for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Summer Olympics
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Core Event
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) voted on September 26 to nominate Munich as Germany’s sole candidate for the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044, after Berlin withdrew two days earlier.
Background & Context
Germany last hosted the Summer Games in Munich in 1972. Previous German bids—including Hamburg’s 2024 effort and Berlin’s 2000 attempt—failed early. In the current cycle four cities entered: Munich, Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr, Berlin and Hamburg. Hamburg dropped out after a 2025 referendum rejected its plan, and Berlin withdrew following a regional election that brought Die Linke to power.
Timeline
- September 23 2026: Article on the bid process published.
- September 24 2026: Updates noted Berlin’s withdrawal.
- September 26 2026: DOSB announced Munich’s selection in Baden-Baden.
Data & Statistics
- Voting: Reports list either 141 or 144 votes from 42 sport federations, the DOSB Executive Board and members.
- Evaluation scores: Munich scored 87 (or 87.03) points, ahead of Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr’s 85 (or 85.02).
- Public support: A 2025 Munich referendum showed 66.4 % approval (44 % turnout); Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr recorded similar support.
Official Statements & Responses
- Sports Minister Ronald Rauhe highlighted the symbolic value of a 2040 Games, marking the 50th anniversary of German reunification.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany is “ready for the Olympics” and sees the event as a national milestone.
- Bavarian Premier Markus Söder called the bid “a chance at something historic” and pledged nationwide cooperation.
Criticism & Opposition
- Outgoing Berlin mayor Kai Wegner called the capital’s exit “a sad day for Berlin,” noting the lost opportunity.
- Mayor-elect Elif Eralp (Die Linke) said, “I think this decision has already been made for us.”
- Die Linke’s platform labels the Olympics “a waste of taxpayer money,” arguing costs outweigh benefits.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Vote total: Sources differ on whether 141 or 144 votes were cast.
- Evaluation scores: Minor variations (87 vs. 87.03) exist, but all agree Munich leads.
- IOC timeline: The Strategic Dialogue begins March 2027; preferred hosts are identified by late 2028, with a final election expected mid-2029.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have an international task to fulfill and must enter the race with the city or region that gives Germany the greatest chances internationally. The decision on that is made by sport, and I assume that it will make it with a great deal of responsibility.” — Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany
- “Today is a sad day for Berlin. Because the Olympic and Paralympic Games would have been a huge opportunity — for Berlin, for eastern Germany, and for future generations,” — Kai Wegner, outgoing mayor
- “I think this decision has already been made for us,” — Elif Eralp, mayor-elect, Die Linke
What’s Next
The IOC’s Strategic Dialogue for the 2036 Games launches in March 2027, followed by questionnaires and site visits. Candidates will be shortlisted by late 2028, with the host election slated for mid-2029. Munich must present detailed plans and financial guarantees to compete with other international bidders.