The International Olympic Committee announced that Tokyo, Shanghai, Montreal, and Orlando will host the Olympic Q-Series qualifying events for the 2028 Games [1].
This series serves as the final qualification stage for athletes seeking a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. By hosting events in diverse global hubs, the IOC aims to raise the profile of competing athletes and connect with new urban audiences [3, 5].
The Q-Series will consist of four stops [1], featuring competitions across six different sports [1]. The schedule begins in Tokyo, Japan, from May 4-7, 2028 [3]. The series then moves to Shanghai, China, from May 11-14, 2028 [4].
Following the Asian leg, the competitions will shift to North America. Montreal, Canada, is scheduled to host the third stop from June 1-4, 2028 [5]. The series will conclude in Orlando, U.S., with events running from June 8-11, 2028 [1, 6].
These events are designed to provide a high-stakes environment for athletes to secure their Olympic berths. The strategic selection of these cities allows the IOC to engage audiences in key markets—stretching from East Asia to North America—shortly before the Games begin in Los Angeles.
By utilizing a multi-city format, the organization can distribute the logistical load of qualification while maximizing international visibility. This structure ensures that the final push for qualification is a global spectacle rather than a localized event.
“The Q-Series will consist of four stops, featuring competitions across six different sports.”
The Olympic Q-Series represents a shift toward a more commercial and urban-centric qualification model. By placing final qualifiers in major metropolitan areas like Shanghai and Orlando, the IOC is attempting to build momentum and sponsorship interest outside of the primary host city, effectively turning the qualification process into a global promotional tour for LA28.
