The race for the 2036 Olympics host city: which continent will host the event?

The race to host the 2036 Olympics is in full swing, with a geographic landscape that draws attention for its heterogeneity. While Asia, Europe, and South America compete for the prestigious event, what is most impressive is the notable absence of major European cities in the race. Hungary and Germany flirted with the idea, and Copenhagen invested approximately 67,000 euros in preliminary studies, but none advanced with formal bids to the International Olympic Committee, unlike five competitors in other regions.

The new format of Olympic bids

The dynamics behind the selection of host cities have changed substantially in recent years. The IOC implemented less rigid procedures, focusing on a “continuous and ongoing dialogue” between candidates and organizers, transforming the process into something akin to a multi-stage negotiation. This approach aimed to reduce the number of “losers,” according to guidelines from former President Thomas Bach.

An important innovation: unlike past editions, which focused on a single metropolis, now a consortium of cities or even an entire region is allowed to host the competitions. The recent precedent is the French Alps, which will win the bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics.

The five confirmed candidates

Santiago, Chile

The Andean nation surprised with confidence in presenting itself as host. After hosting the Pan American Games in 2023, Chile announced its intention to bring the Olympic Games back to South America — recalling that the region last hosted the competition in 2016, in Rio de Janeiro. President Gabriel Boric declared that “Chile has the right to dream bigger,” solidifying an optimistic stance in the bid.

Doha, Qatar

Undoubtedly the sports epicenter of the Middle East, Doha cultivated a robust infrastructure through previous attempts. Although unsuccessful in past bids, the Qatari capital hosted World Championships in athletics, gymnastics, and swimming over the last decade. Its advantage for 2036 lies in sustainability: the city has nine football stadiums as a legacy of the 2022 World Cup, complemented by extensive hotel spaces. The Qatar Olympic Committee committed to presenting a project that “reflects the country’s long-standing dedication to excellence and sports sustainability.”

Ahmedabad, India

The world’s most populous country has been pursuing an Olympics for decades. Although New Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, logistical hurdles disqualified it as a serious candidate. The fifth-largest Indian metropolis and capital of Gujarat now emerges as a national bet. International support came from French President Emmanuel Macron, who promised knowledge transfer from the experts who organized Paris. PT Usha, leader of the Indian Olympic Association, emphasized that the event would cause a “generational impact for the entire population.”

Istanbul, Turkey

The city of the Bosphorus is making its sixth bid for the 2036 Olympics, accumulating historical frustrations. Infrastructure and urban mobility challenges have always been obstacles — the complexity of moving around Istanbul requires multiple transportation modes simultaneously. The current strategy includes building credibility by hosting large multisport events, such as the European Games and European Para Championships in 2027. Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu mobilized popular enthusiasm, stating that “the collective desire of the citizens is at the core of our bid.”

Nusantara, Indonesia

Indonesia, the fourth most populous country globally, appears as a relatively new contender in the Olympic bid arena. Its committee submitted Nusantara for the 2032 Games, but progress was limited — probably because the future capital is still under construction. Last year, the country’s Minister of Youth and Sports indicated that the former IOC president had expressed interest in Indonesia hosting the Youth Olympic Games in 2030 as a stepping stone to 2036. An alternative setup proposes distributing competitions across Indonesian cities like Jakarta and Palembang. Minister Dito Ariotedjo stated: “I believe we have the capacity to host the Olympics, as long as we dedicate ourselves seriously to preparation.”

Other interested parties in perspective

Besides the five confirmed candidates, other regions show tangible interest. North Jeolla Province in South Korea surprised by winning Seoul as the national representative earlier this year. An Egyptian city is considering submitting a bid. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, signed an agreement to host the first Olympic Esports event in 2027, setting precedents for future competitions.

The final decision

The choice will depend on more than 100 IOC members worldwide. Newly elected President Kristy Coventry does not show urgency in making large-scale decisions. Although a vote could occur as early as 2025, this seems unlikely at this moment — the announcement of the next Olympic host city is expected between 2027 and 2028, maintaining suspense and speculation around the 2036 Olympics.