Full Breakdown
Seven Nations Vie for the 2036 Summer Olympics
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: IOC Confirms Seven Interested Parties
On October 6, 2026, the International Olympic Committee announced that India, Germany, Qatar, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Turkiye are in “continuous dialogue” about hosting the 2036 Summer Games. The IOC invited each National Olympic Committee to present detailed project proposals to its Future Host Commission in November. No additional NOCs will be considered after the October 31 deadline.
Background & Context
The 2036 bid process returns to a member-driven selection after the fast-track method that secured Brisbane for 2032. IOC President Kirsty Coventry paused the previous procedure in June 2025 and introduced a multi-stage dialogue. India’s plan centres on Ahmedabad, which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and houses the Narendra Modi Stadium. Qatar proposes Doha, likely shifting the July-August window because of heat. Germany’s bid is anchored in Munich; South Korea would use Seoul; South Africa aims for a national bid centred on Cape Town; Hungary and Turkiye propose Budapest and Istanbul respectively.
Timeline
- October 6, 2026 – IOC publicly confirms the seven interested parties.
- By October 31 – Deadline for any additional NOCs to declare interest.
- November 2026 – Virtual presentations of project proposals to the Future Host Commission.
- Later in 2026 – IOC executive board will approve a shortlist of candidates.
- Mid-2020s – Final vote by IOC members to select the 2036 host.
Data & Statistics
- Seven NOCs are in continuous dialogue with the IOC.
- 100+ IOC members will ultimately vote on the host.
- Ahmedabad hosts the 2030 Commonwealth Games and contains the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket ground.
- Doha previously hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 Asian Games, with plans to host the 2030 Asian Games.
Official Statements & Responses
IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that the athlete experience remains the priority, noting that the assessment will focus on venue master plans, funding strategies, political and public support, delivery capabilities and legacy benefits. India’s officials highlighted Ahmedabad’s existing infrastructure. Qatar’s representatives pointed to their experience staging major international sport events and the potential to involve Gulf neighbours.
Why It Matters / Impact
The selection will shape the geographic distribution of the Olympic Movement for the next decade, offering the first potential Muslim-majority nation (Qatar) and the first African nation (South Africa) the chance to host the Summer Games. For India, securing the Games would mark its debut as an Olympic host and could drive long-term sports infrastructure development and tourism in Gujarat. The process also tests the IOC’s reformed, more transparent selection framework.
What’s Next
- November 2026 – Interested parties will deliver virtual presentations to the Future Host Commission.
- Later in 2026 – The IOC executive board will shortlist candidates for detailed project development.
- Mid-2020s – IOC members will vote to elect the 2036 host, concluding the multi-stage selection process.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: Athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do,” — IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
