The race to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games has taken shape, with South Africa and Qatar among seven countries officially confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as interested in staging the global sporting event.
The other countries currently in the running are India, Germany, Hungary, Türkiye and South Korea, according to the IOC. Other nations still have until October 31, 2026, to formally express an interest.
The development represents a major opportunity for Africa, as South Africa could become the first African country to host the Olympic Games if its bid eventually succeeds. The country has previously hosted major international sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
South Africa eyes historic opportunity
South Africa has been exploring the possibility of hosting either the 2036 or 2040 Olympics, with the country’s government previously approving its entry into continuous dialogue with the IOC.
The government has pointed to South Africa’s existing sporting infrastructure and experience in hosting major international competitions as strengths that could support a successful bid.
A successful bid would make South Africa the first African nation to stage the Summer Olympics, although Dakar, Senegal, is set to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2026.
Qatar seeks to make history
Qatar is also hoping to break new ground by becoming the first Middle Eastern country to host the Olympics.
The Gulf nation has strengthened its credentials through its experience hosting major sporting events, most notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 Asian Games.
Qatar has also said much of the infrastructure required for the Olympics is already in place, while its bid is centred on using existing facilities and building a sustainable sporting legacy.
However, a Qatar-hosted Summer Olympics could require the traditional July-August schedule to be changed because of the region’s extreme summer temperatures.
IOC begins selection process
The IOC said the interested countries will be assessed on a number of factors, including funding, political and public support, infrastructure and their ability to deliver a successful Games.
The IOC Executive Board is expected to draw up a shortlist in March 2027, after which selected candidates will proceed to a more detailed dialogue with the Olympic body. The final host is expected to be chosen in 2029.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry stressed that athletes must remain at the centre of the bidding process.
She said the priority for every potential host should be delivering the best possible experience for athletes.
Seven nations currently in contention
For now, the confirmed interested parties are:
- South Africa
- Qatar
- India
- Germany
- Hungary
- Türkiye
- South Korea
With the deadline for additional expressions of interest still open, the field could yet expand.
The 2036 Games will follow Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032, meaning the eventual host will have several years to prepare for one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles.
For South Africa, the opportunity carries an added significance: victory would not only bring the Olympics to the continent for the first time but also give Africa a chance to showcase its ability to host the world’s premier multi-sport event.
