Overview
- The German Olympic Sports Confederation selected Munich on Saturday to be the country’s official bid city after a vote in Baden‑Baden that favored Munich over the Cologne–Rhine‑Ruhr project by about 91 votes to 50.
- Munich won national backing after a 2025 local referendum where 66.4 percent of voters approved a bid, while Hamburg and Berlin withdrew earlier following a failed referendum and a regional election that produced political opposition.
- The next step is the IOC’s continuous‑dialogue process, with a shortlisting stage expected in March 2027, preferred candidate designation in late 2028 and a final IOC decision around mid‑2029.
- Munich will face stiff international competition because the IOC says more than ten cities or countries have signaled interest for the 2036 slot, including offers from Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East.
- Public sensitivity about cost, legacy and the 1972 Munich attack means the bid will need clear financial guarantees, detailed venue plans using the existing Olympic Park, and a national unity pitch to win broad support at home and abroad.