Munich, Berlin, Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr – Germany's three Olympic candidates
Munich, Berlin, or the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region? Germany aims to host the Olympic Games again. Three candidates are in the running, with one city considered the slight favorite.
On September 23rd, 2026, Germany's Olympic Sports Confederation will determine whether Berlin, Munich, or the Rhine-Ruhr region will represent the country in the pursuit of hosting the Summer Games between 2036 and 2044. Out of the original four contenders, Hamburg withdrew after failing a referendum with nearly 55% opposition. The voting process involves 42 top-level sports federations each casting three votes as a block, eight individual members voting once, and DOSB board members voting as well, totaling 144 votes.
An absolute majority is required, and multiple rounds may be necessary if no candidate secures it on the first attempt. Final concepts were submitted by early June, evaluated alongside public support and operational readiness. Key figures such as German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and sports icons Boris Becker, Michael Groß, Isabell Werth, and Matthias Steiner are expected at the decision-making assembly in Baden-Baden.
Munich appears to be the frontrunner due to strong public support, Bavarian state government backing, and favorable referendum results. Berlin's parliamentary support is at risk due to the current political landscape, while Munich and the Rhine-Ruhr region both have 66% backing in their respective referendums. Regardless of the outcome, Germany must now prepare detailed plans and financial guarantees for the International Olympic Committee.
The DOSB does not anticipate reopening the selection process if Germany does not secure the rights for 2036, with potential European candidates including Budapest, Istanbul, Madrid, the north of England, and Tuscany.
Written by urgent.news from The Berlin Spectator's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
