On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Berlin officially decided not to compete for the opportunity to host the Olympic Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044. This decision means that Berlin will no longer be a candidate city for the upcoming Olympic Games, which are typically held every four years. The Olympic Games are a major international sporting event that brings together athletes from around the world, and hosting them is a significant honor and responsibility for any city. Berlin had been considering a bid for the Olympics for several years, but it appears that the city has chosen to focus on other priorities instead. The decision comes at a time when many cities are re-evaluating the costs and benefits of hosting such a large-scale event, especially after recent Olympics faced challenges like budget overruns and logistical difficulties. With Berlin's withdrawal, only two other German regions remain in the running: Munich and the combined area of Cologne and Rhin-Ruhr. These two projects are now the only candidates for the German Olympic Committee (DOSB) to consider. The DOSB is the organization responsible for selecting Germany's official bid for the Olympics, and it will make its decision on Saturday. The outcome of the DOSB’s decision will determine which German city or region will represent the country in the international competition for the right to host the Olympics. This decision is important not only for the selected city but also for the broader German sports community and the country as a whole.