The Global Race for the 2036 Olympics: Which City Will Come Out on Top?

The race to host the 2036 Olympics is far from a simple competition — it is a truly global phenomenon that reflects the ambitions of emerging nations and regions seeking international recognition. While Western Europe has almost stayed out of this race (with only vague expressions of interest from Hungary, Germany, and Copenhagen), the Asian, Middle Eastern, and South American scenes are boiling with determination.

Currently, five cities have confirmed their official candidacies with the International Olympic Committee for the 2036 Olympics. This number may increase, as other regions are still studying their possibilities. The final selection will likely occur between 2027 and 2028, when IOC members — a body of over 100 personalities from around the world — will make the final decision.

The Confirmed Candidates

Santiago, Chile — The Return to South America

The South American continent has not hosted an Olympics since 2016, when Rio de Janeiro was the stage for the Games. Santiago emerges as a strong candidate to bring the 2036 Olympic Games back to the region. Fresh off the successful organization of the 2023 Pan American Games, the Chilean capital presents developing infrastructure and an impressive geographic setting with the Andes as a backdrop. President Gabriel Boric declared that “Chile has the right to dream bigger,” reflecting the country’s confidence in its organizational capacity.

Ahmedabad, India — The Anxiety of a Populous Nation

India, the most populous country in the world, has been waiting for decades for the opportunity to host a large-scale Olympics. Although New Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, that experience did not catalyze a successful Olympic bid. Ahmedabad, the fifth-largest city in the country and capital of the prosperous state of Gujarat, has emerged as the national choice for the 2036 Olympics. Support from French President Emmanuel Macron, who promised knowledge transfer from Parisian experts, reinforces the bid. According to PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association, the Games would have a “generational impact for all Indians.”

Doha, Qatar — Established Infrastructure in the Middle East

Doha has already accumulated multiple failed bids to host the 2036 Olympics but remains determined. Established as the sports capital of the Middle East, the city has developed impressive infrastructure and proven to be a reliable host for mega-events. The legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 left an enviable collection: nine football stadiums ready for use. Additionally, Doha has hosted World Championships in athletics, gymnastics, and swimming over the past decade. Qatar’s Olympic Committee promises a robust sustainability plan for the 2036 Olympics, betting on its vast hotel space and sports infrastructure.

Istanbul, Turkey — Perseverance Despite Challenges

Istanbul is attempting for the sixth time to host the Olympics. The transcontinental city faces the historic challenge of logistical and transportation infrastructure issues, despite its strategic location and growth potential. To strengthen its bid for the 2036 Olympics, Istanbul plans to host complex multi-sport events in 2027, including the European Games and the European Para-Sports Championships. Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu highlighted that “the enthusiasm of our citizens is the heart of our bid,” suggesting strong popular support for the initiative.

Nusantara, Indonesia — Betting on a Building Dream

Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, is considered a sleeping giant on the international sports scene. Its under-construction capital, Nusantara, represents an innovative bid for the 2036 Olympics. Although it submitted Nusantara for 2032 without success, Indonesia received positive signals when Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Youth and Sports, revealed that IOC President Thomas Bach expressed interest in hosting the Youth Olympic Games in 2030 as a preparatory step. Ariotedjo stated: “I believe we are capable of hosting the Olympic Games, as long as we are serious.” A multi-city approach, distributing events among Jakarta, Palembang, and other locations, is also being explored.

Other Potential Candidates

Besides the five mentioned, other regions are waiting to formalize their bids for the 2036 Olympics. North Jeolla Province in South Korea recently surprised by surpassing Seoul as the national candidate. Egypt is also studying a possible bid, while Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has already signed to host the first Esports Olympics in 2027, setting a precedent for future participations in the Games.

The New Selection Process

The IOC has transformed the bidding process to reduce the number of “losers,” as explained by former President Thomas Bach. The selection now functions as a “permanent, ongoing dialogue” between candidates and organizers, more akin to a multi-stage interview than a traditional competition. For the first time, the 2036 Olympic Games could be hosted by an entire region or a group of cities, as was the case with the French Alps for the 2030 Winter Games.

The final decision on which city will host the 2036 Olympics will likely be announced between 2027 and 2028, when IOC President-elect Kristy Coventry — still adjusting to the role — and her members will cast the final vote.