Germany has selected Munich as its candidate for a future Summer Olympics bid. The city will compete to host the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Games.
The German Olympic Committee (DOSB) chose Munich on Saturday over the Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr region. The decision marks another step in Germany’s effort to bring the Summer Olympics back to the country.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced the decision in Baden-Baden. Munich emerged as the final choice after Berlin withdrew from the race on Thursday. Meanwhile, Hamburg had already ended its bid in May.
Munich Emerges as Germany’s Olympic Candidate
The DOSB initially considered four potential candidates for the Olympics bid. However, the field narrowed after Berlin and Hamburg withdrew from consideration.
Munich ultimately secured the nomination ahead of the Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr region. The Bavarian capital now becomes Germany’s official candidate as the country prepares for discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder welcomed the decision while also acknowledging the strength of the rival bid.
“We’re thinking about all of Germany,” Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder said on stage after the announcement of Munich’s successful bid.
“The Cologne bid made things really tough for us and pretty tense until the end.
“I want that we work jointly to bring the games to Germany. It is a chance at something historic and we want to give everything to present ourselves as a united country — from north to south and from east to west.
“That’s our goal and what we’re working towards. Thank you for the trust.”
His comments also highlighted the importance of presenting a united national bid. Therefore, the selection of Munich does not end the broader effort to build support across Germany.
Munich Bid Focuses on Historic Olympic Park
The Munich bid centres on the Olympic Park in the northern part of the city. The site was constructed for the 1972 Olympic Games and has undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
Consequently, the Olympic Park remains a central feature of Munich’s proposal. The city previously hosted the Summer Games in 1972, giving it a direct connection to the event.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also congratulated Munich after the announcement. He described the selection as an important step for Germany’s Olympic ambitions.
“Germany has an Olympic candidate. Munich will enter the race on our behalf, and I warmly congratulate the state capital and the Free State of Bavaria on this,” he said.
“Now, together with our Olympic candidate, we eagerly look forward to this major event… Germany is ready for the Olympics.”
Munich Referendum Strengthened Olympic Bid
Public support has played an important role in Munich’s Olympic plans. In autumn 2025, the city held a referendum to gauge support for hosting the Games.
Almost two-thirds of voters backed the proposal. The referendum recorded 66.4 percent support, with voter turnout reaching 44 percent.
The result differed sharply from earlier Olympic referenda in Germany. Munich voters previously rejected a bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics, while Hamburg voters rejected plans connected to the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Hamburg’s latest Olympic ambitions were also weakened by negative public consultation. Meanwhile, Berlin chose not to hold a referendum before withdrawing from the race.
As a result, Munich entered the final stage with public backing already demonstrated through its referendum.
What Happens After Germany Selects Munich?
The DOSB is now expected to begin a “continuous dialogue” process with the IOC. That process will take place before a shortlisting stage scheduled for March 2027.
The international process will then continue over the following years. The IOC is expected to designate one or more preferred hosts in late 2028.
An eventual host bid is scheduled to be selected by the IOC in mid-2029. Therefore, Munich’s selection represents the beginning of a lengthy international bidding process rather than a final decision on the Games.
Germany has made seven unsuccessful attempts to host the Summer Olympics again since the Games were last held on German soil in 1972.
Germany’s Olympic Hosting History
If Munich’s bid eventually receives IOC approval, Germany would host the Olympics for the third time.
Berlin previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1936, when Germany was under Nazi leadership. Munich then hosted the Summer Games in 1972 as part of West Germany.
The 1972 Munich Olympics remain associated with one of the darkest incidents in Olympic history. An attack on the Israeli delegation at the Olympic Village resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team.
Germany also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1936. Those Games took place in the southern town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Munich’s latest bid therefore carries both historical significance and a new opportunity for Germany. However, the city must still progress through the IOC’s selection process before it can secure the right to host another Summer Olympics.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
