Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), South Africa and Türkiye are currently participating in preliminary discussions with the IOC as the organisation prepares to select the host of the 2036 Games.
The IOC has also published a handbook outlining the requirements, evaluation criteria and timetable that prospective hosts must follow before the final decision, scheduled for mid-2029.
Seven countries enter the Olympic host race
The seven interested parties represent Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with each seeking to demonstrate that it can deliver the world's largest multi-sport competition.
The countries and their potential host cities include:
Germany: Munich, which hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Hungary: Budapest, which has pursued Olympic hosting ambitions but has never staged the Games.
India: Ahmedabad is central to the country's ambition to host its first Olympics.
Qatar: Doha is the focus of the Gulf nation's hosting ambitions.
South Korea: Seoul previously hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics.
South Africa: Cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban have featured in discussions about the country's potential hosting plans.
Türkiye: Istanbul is seeking another opportunity after previous unsuccessful Olympic bids.
The list is not yet a final shortlist. Other interested countries have until 31 October 2026 to register their interest with the IOC.
South Africa eyes historic opportunity for Africa
South Africa's inclusion has drawn particular attention because the continent has never hosted the Olympic Games.
The country has experience organising major international sporting events, having hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Its potential Olympic project could involve several cities rather than a single host location.
However, South Africa will need to demonstrate that its proposed venues, transport systems, accommodation, financing and event infrastructure can meet the IOC's requirements.
A successful bid would represent a historic milestone for African sport, but the country must first progress through the IOC's assessment process and compete with the other interested parties.
India and Qatar pursue Olympic ambitions
India is seeking to host the Olympics for the first time, with Ahmedabad at the centre of its plans. The city is also scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which could provide an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to organise a major multi-sport event.
Qatar is also pursuing the Games through Doha, building on its experience hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and other international competitions.
However, Qatar's hot summer climate presents a potential scheduling challenge because the Olympics traditionally take place in July and August. A Games in the Gulf would require careful consideration of weather conditions and athlete welfare.
Germany, South Korea, Hungary and Türkiye also bring different experiences and infrastructure proposals to the process. Germany and South Korea have previously hosted Summer Olympics, while Istanbul has made several unsuccessful attempts to secure the event.
IOC sets out selection timetable
The IOC's revised process is intended to assess projects in stages, giving prospective hosts technical guidance before the final selection.
The main milestones are:
November 2026: Interested parties are expected to make virtual presentations to the IOC's Future Host Commission.
March 2027: Feasibility assessments are expected to be completed, with the IOC Executive Board opening the Strategic Dialogue phase for selected candidates.
December 2028: A select group of preferred hosts is expected to enter the Targeted Dialogue phase.
Mid-2029: IOC members are scheduled to elect the host of the 2036 Olympic Games.
The process forms part of the Olympic Movement's Fit for the Future reforms, which aim to provide a more structured approach to selecting future hosts.
What the IOC will consider
According to the published framework, prospective hosts will be assessed on a range of technical and strategic factors, including venue plans, funding arrangements, political and public support, the ability to deliver the Games and the experience offered to athletes.
The IOC will also examine long-term legacy plans, including whether the investment and infrastructure associated with hosting the Olympics can deliver lasting benefits for local communities.
The organisation's emphasis on athlete experience means that countries will need to demonstrate not only their ability to stage a major event but also how their proposals would support competitors and the wider Olympic movement.
Final decision expected in 2029
The seven countries are still at an early stage of the selection process, and the IOC has yet to determine which proposals will advance to the later rounds.
The coming months will be important as the interested parties present their plans and undergo initial assessments. The subsequent dialogue stages will narrow the field before IOC members make the final decision in 2029.
For South Africa, the process offers a chance to pursue a landmark achievement for African sport. For the other six countries, it represents an opportunity to demonstrate that their plans can meet the financial, technical and organisational demands of hosting the Olympic Games.