Seven Nations Formally Bid for 2036 Summer Olympics, Including First-Ever African Proposal
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed seven nations, including India and Qatar, have formally bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. One of these bids proposes hosting the games in Africa for the first time.
Lansing, MI, October 6, 2026 — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially received formal bids from seven nations interested in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. Among the confirmed contenders are India and Qatar, signaling significant global interest in the quadrennial event.
The formal bidding process marks a crucial step for these nations as they aim to bring the world’s premier multi-sport event to their soil. The IOC’s confirmation indicates that these countries have met preliminary requirements to be considered as future hosts.
Significantly, one of the seven bids has put forth a proposal that could see the Summer Olympics hosted on the African continent for the very first time. This potential development underscores a growing movement towards greater geographic diversity in hosting major international sporting spectacles.
The specific details regarding the remaining five bidding nations, beyond India and Qatar, were not immediately disclosed by the IOC. Furthermore, information regarding the proposed host cities, venue plans, or specific timelines for each bid has not yet been released.
The IOC’s selection process for future Olympic hosts involves several stages, including dialogue, targeted dialogue, and final selection by the IOC Session. The organization aims to select hosts that align with its long-term vision for the Olympic Games, emphasizing sustainability, legacy, and athlete experience.
The inclusion of a bid targeting Africa represents a historic potential opportunity. No African nation has ever hosted the Summer Olympic Games, making this bid particularly noteworthy as the IOC considers its global outreach and development objectives for the Olympic movement.
Further announcements regarding the shortlisted candidates and subsequent evaluation phases are expected from the IOC as the bidding process progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by GRAHAM DUNBAR, Associated Press on www.wlns.com, see more information here.
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