Everything is ready, or almost ready, for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in northern Italy. With events starting on February 4, this marks the third time Italy has hosted the winter competition, following the 1956 Cortina d'Ampezzo Games and the 2006 Turin Games. (Rome hosted the Summer Olympics in 1960.) There will be 116 medal events for the 16 sports scheduled in this Five Circles event. Here's everything you need to know, from event schedules to mascots to the plans for the opening ceremony.
When Is the Opening Ceremony?
Although there are competitions scheduled for February 4, the ceremony that will officially decree the start of the Games is set for February 6. Here’s how to watch.
What’s Happening at the Opening Ceremony?
The theme of the 2026 Winter Olympics is “Harmony.” While centered in Milan’s San Siro Stadium, events will happen simultaneously in Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo. Organizers say the goal is to create a feeling of togetherness, even though the athletes and fans are miles apart.
Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, will be present at San Siro, officially kicking off the Olympics. The Milanese sports facility will become the heart of this ceremony—a tribute to one of the world's most iconic stadiums before its probable demolition.
A large stage with four ramps will be created on the field, representing the four territories involved. The ceremony, curated by Marco Balich, creator of the Tree of Life sculpture for Expo 2015 in Milan, will celebrate Italian history: from music to fashion, from design to Leonardo da Vinci, and there will also be a moment dedicated to fashion icon Giorgio Armani, who passed away last September.
Where Will the Olympic Flame Be During the 2026 Games?
For the first time, there will be two Olympic flame cauldrons: one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and another in downtown Cortina.
The 2026 Olympic Medals Have a Sleek New Design
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