Full Breakdown
Munich Leads German Bid Amid Seven Nations Competing for the 2036 Summer Olympics
By Drooid · · How we work
The Bidding Landscape
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that, in addition to Germany, six other National Olympic Committees are in the Continuous Dialogue stage for the 2036 Summer Games: Hungary, Turkey, India, Qatar, South Korea and South Africa. The deadline for interested parties to submit a formal bid is October 31. Bidders will present their proposals virtually to the Future Host Commission in November. The IOC will narrow the field to a shortlist in March 2027, move to a Targeted Dialogue stage in 2028, and select the host at an IOC Session in the summer of 2029.
Background and Munich’s Position
Munich was chosen as Germany’s candidate after a vote by delegates of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, beating the Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr region. The city last hosted the Olympics in 1972. The German bid is framed not only for 2036 but also with contingency plans for the 2040 and 2044 editions. Potential rival cities mentioned in media speculation include Ahmedabad (India), Doha (Qatar), Budapest (Hungary) and Istanbul (Turkey).
Official Statements & Responses
IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the athlete-centric focus of any future Games. An IOC statement noted that several National Olympic Committees are engaged in “non-committal talks” about hosting beyond 2036, underscoring the long-term nature of the process.
Data & Timeline
- Bidders: 7 (Germany, Hungary, Turkey, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa)
- Deadline to submit: October 31 (as per IOC schedule)
- Virtual presentations: November 2026
- Shortlist decision: March 2027
- Targeted Dialogue: 2028
- Final host selection: Summer 2029 IOC Session
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “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
What’s Next
The IOC’s executive board, chaired by Coventry, will approve the shortlist in March 2027. Bidders that advance will enter detailed project development during the Targeted Dialogue stage in 2028, after which the final vote in summer 2029 will determine the host for the 2036 Games. Munich’s bid remains “well-positioned” across technical, financial and sustainability criteria, but the city will also contend for the 2040 and 2044 editions if it does not secure 2036.