Qatar and Turkey Join Seven Nations Bidding to Host the 2036 Summer Olympics

Qatar and Turkey are among seven countries that have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee announced on Tuesday. Germany, India, Hungary, South Africa, and South Korea are also participating in preliminary discussions with the IOC.

Qatar hopes that its successful delivery of the 2022 Fifa World Cup will strengthen its bid to become the first Muslim-majority nation to stage the global sporting event. Meanwhile, Turkey has previously attempted to host the Olympics five times, and South Africa aims to become the first African host, building upon its experience from the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

India is also seeking to host its inaugural Olympics following its experience with the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Hungary most recently bid for the 2024 Olympics, while Germany pursues a second Games following the 1972 Olympics. South Korea presents a strong candidature, having previously organized the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, and co-hosted the 2022 Fifa World Cup with Japan.

“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 stated. “That is why, for every future host, delivering the best possible experience for the athletes must always be the starting point.”

A shortlist for the 2036 Games will be compiled in March next year. Preferred hosts will be announced following discussions in 2028, with a final decision anticipated by mid-2029. Bidding regulations have evolved under Coventry this year to include a strategic dialogue stage, and multiple preferred hosts may be named.

Los Angeles is scheduled to stage the 2028 Olympics, followed by Brisbane in Australia four years later. The IOC noted that hosting the Olympics yields significant economic benefits, citing projections that Paris 2024 will contribute an estimated net €9-11 billion to the French economy by 2034.