There had been concerns that Sapporo would not be awarded the games since that would mean Asia hosting four consecutive olympic games (*Pyeongchang in 2018, Tokyo in 2020 and Beijing in 2022).
Sapporo might go for the 2030 winter games instead.
So who is still in the running for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?
Calgary, Canada could be a potential venue but there are significant concerns about the Canadian public actually wanting The Games. There will is a public referendum planned for November.
Italy has moved to make a bid for The Games but three different locations Milan, Turin and Cortina d’Ampezzo are fighting to win the nation’s favor.
Erzurum, Turkey is still planning on submitting a bid but security concerns due to its proximity to Syria remain.
The final location, Stockholm, Sweden is moving forward with a bid but a lack of political support in the Swedish capital makes it a long shot.
The International Olympic Committee will confirm the shortlist at its Session in Buenos Aires next month.
A final decision will be made in 2019.