Upcoming Olympic Host Cities
The next Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, France, in 2024, followed by the Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina, Italy, in 2026. Future editions include Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games and Salt Lake City for the 2030 Winter Games. Host cities are selected years in advance through a multi‑phase process managed by the IOC, involving candidature procedures, Evaluation Commission reviews, and a formal election at IOC Sessions. These long‑term commitments allow organizers to plan infrastructure, sport programming, and legacy goals well ahead of each event.
How Olympic Host Cities Are Selected
The selection process emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and long‑term benefit for the organizing city and region. Potential hosts follow a structured roadmap from initial interest to post‑Games obligations. The IOC evaluates bids based on venue plans, transport, accommodation, governance, funding, and legacy, aiming to reduce cost and complexity while encouraging reuse of existing facilities.
Key Phases in the Selection Process
- Continuous Dialogue: Cities explore concepts with the IOC early.
- Targeted Dialogue: A shortlist addresses technical and contractual questions.
- Candidate City Phase: Formal candidature with guarantees and contracts.
- Election: Chosen by IOC Members at an IOC Session.
Recent and Upcoming Host City Decisions
Milan‑Cortina was elected host for the 2026 Winter Games, while Los Angeles and Paris confirmed their roles for 2028 and 2024 respectively. Salt Lake City was selected for 2030, continuing a structured approach that favors stability and predictability in the Olympic calendar.
| Edition | City / Region | Year | Season | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXXIII Summer Olympics | Paris, France | 2024 | Summer | Completed |
| XXXV Winter Olympics | Milan‑Cortina, Italy | 2026 | Winter | Upcoming |
| XXXIV Summer Olympics | Los Angeles, USA | 2028 | Summer | Upcoming |
| XXXVI Winter Olympics | Salt Lake City, USA | 2030 | Winter | Confirmed |
What Host Cities Must Deliver
Once selected, host cities commit to an extensive checklist: new or upgraded venues that meet technical standards, reliable transport and accommodation, strict security arrangements, media and broadcast infrastructure, and anti‑doping measures. They must also define a clear legacy plan showing how the Games will benefit local communities after the event. Contracts with the IOC outline responsibilities, timelines, and financial guarantees to protect both the organizers and the Olympic movement.
Why Selection Matters for the Olympic Movement
Choosing future hosts carefully helps manage costs, reduce white elephants, and ensure that the Games remain inclusive and sustainable. Long‑term placements give cities time to integrate projects into urban development, create jobs, and build lasting improvements in transport, sport, and public spaces. The current schedule—Paris 2024, Milan‑Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, Salt Lake City 2030—reflects a deliberate effort to stabilize planning and strengthen public trust in the Olympic process.