Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has now expressed his support for hosting the Olympic Games in Germany in 2036, according to reports from ARD’s Hauptstadtstudio. While official statements emphasize that his initial historical reservations-regarding the timing of the Olympics exactly one hundred years after those held under Adolf Hitler-have not vanished, the Federal Presidential Office noted that Steinmeier is now firmly convinced that all involved parties will handle this date responsibly.
In a statement broadcast from Berlin, Steinmeier highlighted Germany’s strengths, saying: “We have magnificent sports facilities. We have a passionate population. I sincerely hope that after Munich in 1972, Olympic Games are finally held in Germany again. The world remembers us as good hosts for major sporting events ever since the ‘Summer Fairy Tale’ of 2006.”
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is scheduled to decide on the representatives for the Olympic Games across 2036, 2040, and 2044 on September 26, 2026. Qatar was originally considered a prime candidate for 2036; however, concerns regarding whether the games could truly be held safely there due to regional instability and security threats have led to speculation that the Games might ultimately shift toward Europe instead.
Otto Fricke, Chairman of the DOSB, welcomed Steinmeier’s endorsement of a German bid for 2036. According to Fricke, achieving broad political backing is critically important on the international stage. He also noted that this clarification helps solidify support from the two-thirds majorities previously established in Munich, Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr, and Berlin concerning bids for 2036, 2040, and 2044.
Fricke added that he had always understood Steinmeier to prefer a German hosting of either the 2040 or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but was not ruling out the possibility of 2036. Therefore, the DOSB is especially pleased that this stance has now been explicitly confirmed. Regardless of where the games take place, Fricke concluded, “German sport will responsibly address the significance of the year 2036.”
