South Africa has emerged as one of seven countries interested in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The other countries are Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, and Türkiye.

South Africa’s proposal would see the Games spread across three cities, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. If successful, it would be the first time the Olympic Games have been hosted on the African continent.

The country has previously hosted major international sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and will also host the Cricket World Cup again next year.

However, there are questions about South Africa’s ability to host an event of this scale. Durban was originally awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games but was stripped of hosting rights in 2017 after failing to meet financial and organisational requirements.

The IOC confirmed this week that all seven interested countries are in preliminary discussions, with a deadline of 31 October for other countries to express their interest.

Interested countries will present their proposals to the IOC’s Future Host Commission in November, with feasibility assessments expected to be completed by March 2027.

The IOC will evaluate proposals based on factors including sporting infrastructure, financing, public and political support, and the potential long-term benefits for host cities.

The final decision on the 2036 host is expected in 2029.

South Africa faces significant competition, particularly from Qatar, which is regarded as a leading contender, and India, which is proposing Ahmedabad as its host city.

The next two Summer Olympic Games will take place in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.

Securing the 2036 Games would represent a major sporting achievement for South Africa, although the country would first have to demonstrate that it has the infrastructure, funding, and organisational capacity to deliver an event of this magnitude.