Asunción has been named one of three “Preferred Hosts” invited into a targeted dialogue by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The chosen city will host the 2030 Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG). This significant development places Paraguay’s capital on the cusp of hosting one of the world’s most prestigious youth sporting events.
Asunción joins Santiago, Chile, and Bangkok, Thailand, in the final, intensive phase of the evaluation process. The selection of the host city will be made in mid-2026.
A three-city race
The IOC Executive Board (EB) selected these three capitals after reviewing preliminary proposals. The main aspect they are looking at is existing infrastructure, government support, and the vision for staging the 2030 Youth Olympic Games.
The invitation into the “Targeted Dialogue” phase means the IOC will now begin more detailed technical and joint discussions with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of the three preferred cities. All three bids impressed the IOC by demonstrating:
- Recent experience hosting international multi-sport events;
- The ability to rely entirely on existing or temporary competition venues, aligning with the IOC’s push for sustainability;
- Full political backing and a shared vision for how the Youth Olympic Games can positively impact their nation’s youth.
Asunción’s strong 2030 Youth Olympic Games bid
Paraguayan officials have expressed immense satisfaction with the progress made. The bid is viewed not just as a sporting endeavour but as a state-backed project enjoying comprehensive cross-party political support for the Youth Olympic Games candidacy.
One of the major arguments supporting Asunción’s viability is the existing world class sporting infrastructure. Particularly the facilities used during the successful 2022 South American Games (ODESUR). This previous experience means Paraguay already possesses much of the necessary framework. This potentially reduce the need for costly and time-consuming new construction to host the Youth Olympic Games.
This track record of successful staging is considerable. In addition to the 2022 South American Games, Paraguay recently hosted the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción. Crucially, the nation has already secured the right to host the premier continental event, the 2031 Pan American Games. This further demonstrate its commitment to major international sports organisation and its capacity to deliver high-calibre events efficiently.
A defining moment for Paraguay
The bid for the Youth Olympic Games is considered a historic achievement for Paraguay, cementing its position as a serious contender in the global sporting arena. Securing the 2030 YOG would be a powerful tool for promoting sport and healthy lifestyles among the nation’s youth. This would offer future generations an invaluable opportunity to engage with elite competition. The focus on youth and legacy is central to the country’s proposal.
Over the coming months, the three preferred hosts will submit more detailed proposals and sign required guarantees. The IOC’s Future Host Commission will then assess whether one, two, or all three projects meet the final requirements. The ultimate decision on which city will host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games will be made by the IOC Session. The election is currently aimed for June 2026.
