The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) evaluated bids from Munich, Köln-Rhein-Ruhr, and Berlin to determine potential host regions for upcoming Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to official reports released on September 22, 2026. Munich’s bid secured the highest score under the organization’s evaluation system, followed closely by Köln-Rhein-Ruhr, while Berlin’s concept placed third amid ongoing political shifts in the capital.
Evaluation Scores and Commission Findings
According to the DOSB evaluation system, Munich’s concept achieved 87.03 out of 100 possible points. The Köln-Rhein-Ruhr bid finished closely behind with 85.02 points. Both proposals earned the rating of “very good” by landing inside the 80-to-100-point threshold. Berlin’s bid received 74.64 points, earning a rating of “good,” according to data published by the German sports federation.
An evaluation commission finished its final deliberations and published its conclusive report, stating that all three concepts are suitable to successfully host Olympic and Paralympics Games in Germany. Because every proposal met the necessary criteria across the board, the commission did not issue a single, binding recommendation for a preferred host city. Regarding the narrow point gap at the top, the commission report noted that both Munich and Köln-Rhein-Ruhr remain equal partners in international competition based on the established scoring mechanics.
Bid Locations and Sailing Venues
While the core bids center on major urban centers, the proposals incorporate separate coastal locations for aquatic events. According to the DOSB, Köln-Rhein-Ruhr selected Rostock-Warnemünde as its venue for sailing competitions, matching the earlier geographic choice made by Berlin. Meanwhile, Munich structured its bid around Kiel-Schilksee to host its sailing events.
“We have three great concepts before us,” DOSB President Thomas Weikert stated in an official press release. “Germany already has everything it needs to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Scoring Categories and Political Context
The DOSB utilized a detailed evaluation framework divided into distinct assessment areas. Working groups examined “Vision and Legacy” alongside “Costs and Financing,” with all three regional bids successfully clearing these criteria. Representatives from the DOSB and elite sports associations then distributed points across two additional domains: “International Competitiveness and National Acceptance” alongside “Sport-Specific and Operative Suitability.”
Berlin earned top marks in international visibility, as expected. Munich scored higher in travel time efficiency, while Köln-Rhein-Ruhr excelled in event potential. Despite these technical scores, Berlin’s Olympic campaign faced a distinct political hurdle following the Berlin House of Representatives election. The victorious Left party opposed the Olympic bid from the outset, and leading candidate Elif Eralp reaffirmed that stance following the electoral outcome.
Upcoming General Assembly and Voter Breakdown
The final decision rests with the delegates of an extraordinary general assembly scheduled for Saturday in Baden-Baden, where the DOSB will select the specific city or region to represent Germany in international bidding for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Summer Games. The technical evaluation scores published by the federation remain non-binding for the voting members.
| Voter Group | Number of Entities | Total Vote Count |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Sport Federations | 42 | 126 |
| DOSB Presidium | 10 | 10 |
| Personal DOSB Members | 8 | 8 |
Voting rights at the Saturday assembly belong to the Olympic sport federations holding 126 total votes, members of the DOSB presidium holding 10 votes, and personal DOSB members holding 8 votes. The official announcement of the winning host concept will be broadcast live in Germany on Das Erste.
Keep reading