The IOC Confirms Qualifying Events for Los Angeles 2028 in the Americas

NEWS

GENERAL

The IOC Confirms Qualifying Events for Los Angeles 2028 in the Americas

Jan 13, 2025

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has begun mapping the path to qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, focusing on two key regional events for athletes from the Americas: the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games and the Lima 2027 Pan American Games.

This decision underscores the significance of both events as essential platforms for athletes from the Americas to secure their spot at the world’s premier sporting event.

Santo Domingo 2026: The First Filter

The Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2026, will serve as a key preliminary stage. This event will not only feature participation from Caribbean and Central American countries but also mark the beginning of the road to Los Angeles 2028.

With 40 sports disciplines in contention, the Santo Domingo 2026 Games represent a crucial first step for emerging regional athletes looking to catch the attention of coaches, sponsors, and sports authorities.

Lima 2027: The End of the Cycle

On the other hand, the Lima 2027 Pan American Games will be the pinnacle event of the qualifying cycle in the Americas. This competition, which will bring together the best athletes from across the continent, will be decisive in allocating the final slots for Los Angeles 2028.

With infrastructure that has been strengthened since hosting the 2019 Pan American Games, Lima promises to be a venue of high technical standards.

Implications for Athletes and Nations

This qualification route reinforces the importance of regional competitions for athletes in the Americas, who must carefully plan their preparation and participation in these events. It also highlights the need for national Olympic committees to intensify their support and development programs to ensure their countries’ representation at Los Angeles 2028.

With the confirmation of Santo Domingo 2026 and Lima 2027 as official stages on the road to the next Olympic Games, the IOC aims to strengthen the competitive spirit in the Americas and provide athletes in the region with a clear and accessible path to Olympic glory.