Seven countries are vying to host the 2036 Olympics, as confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among the leading contenders are India and Qatar, both of which have never hosted the Games before.

The other candidates include:

• South Africa
• South Korea
• Germany
• Hungary
• Turkey

Formal bids must be submitted by the end of this month, initiating a dialogue process that will culminate in a final vote by IOC members in 2029. India is viewed as a strong favorite, with Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, at the forefront of its ambitions. This region is significant as it is the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Ahmedabad has already been confirmed to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Qatar is also a prominent contender, planning to leverage the infrastructure developed for its successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Previously, Qatar made unsuccessful bids for the 2016 and 2020 Games, losing to Rio and Tokyo, respectively.

Germany's candidate city is Munich, which secured the right to bid after a vote by the DOSB. Notably, South Korea and Germany are the only countries on the list that have previously hosted the Olympics, with Seoul in 1988 and Berlin and Munich in 1936 and 1972, respectively.

Following the initial bidding process, interested parties will present virtually and undergo feasibility studies before the IOC executive board compiles a shortlist. Additionally, an Indonesian bid for Nusantara was rejected due to its refusal to allow Israeli athletes at the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.

The next two Olympic host cities are already set, with the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, which previously hosted in 1984, and the 2032 Games returning to Australia in Brisbane, marking its first time since 2000.