The countdown is on. Just ten days remain before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) closes the door to new interested parties for the 2036 Olympic Games. But the real competition is only beginning.

The Interested Parties currently in Continuous Dialogue with the IOC, with a stated interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, are (in alphabetical order): Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye.

None has yet secured a place in the next stage.

Under the IOC’s new host selection framework, announced on 6 October 2026, potential hosts will be assessed not only on infrastructure and their ability to deliver the Games, but also on athlete experience, financing, public support and long-term legacy.

The road to Olympics 2036: Key dates to watch

→ 31 October 2026 — Cutoff for new interested parties. No additional interested parties will be considered after this date.

→ November 2026 — Interested parties present their Olympic visions to the IOC Future Host Commission.

→ By March 2027 — IOC feasibility assessments completed.

→ March 2027 — The IOC Executive Board shortlists interested parties for Strategic Dialogue, involving more detailed evaluation, initial legal and financial guarantees, and subsequent site visits.

→ December 2028 — Targeted Dialogue begins with selected Preferred Hosts, who must provide final documentation and guarantees.

→ Mid-2029 — IOC Members elect the host of the 2036 Olympic Games.

Behind the scenes: What will shape the selection?

The selection process is already underway. The IOC has conducted technical workshops with interested parties, covering venue planning, financing, Games delivery and long-term impact. Their proposals are being evaluated with the support of independent reports and public opinion polling.

The financial stakes are considerable. The IOC points to Paris 2024 as an example, citing an estimated EUR 9–11 billion net contribution to the Île-de-France economy by 2034.

Another interesting detail: while seven countries are currently in Continuous Dialogue regarding 2036, the IOC is already holding noncommittal discussions with other National Olympic Committees about hosting Olympic Games beyond 2036.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who competed at five Olympic Games across four continents, has emphasised that the athlete experience must remain at the centre of every future hosting decision.

Seven interested parties, several selection stages and one final decision in 2029 — the road to Olympics 2036 is taking shape.

Read IOC’s official announcement