South Africa has formally joined the race to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, becoming one of seven countries currently confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as interested in staging the Games.
The country, which has hosted major international sporting events including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 1995 Rugby World Cup, has never hosted an Olympic Games.
India, Qatar, Germany, Hungary, Turkey and South Korea are the other countries on the IOC’s current list of potential bidders.
The IOC said other countries have until October 31 to declare their interest, after which the Executive Board is expected to draw up a shortlist in March 2027.
The shortlisted candidates will then enter formal dialogue with the Olympic body, with factors including funding, political backing and public support to be considered.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the selection process would prioritise athletes and their experience.
“Wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do,” Coventry said.
India is seeking to host the Olympics for the first time, with Ahmedabad proposed as its centrepiece. The city is due to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which is expected to serve as an important test of its ability to stage a major multi-sport event.
Qatar, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is also bidding, although any Olympics in the Gulf state would likely be scheduled outside the traditional July-August window because of extreme summer temperatures.
Germany has selected Munich as its candidate city, while Turkey is seeking another chance after Istanbul finished runner-up in the bidding for the 2020 Olympics.
The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, United States, while Brisbane, Australia, will host the 2032 edition.
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