2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Live Updates in Milano Cortina
 |
| A parade of performers dressed as symbols of Italian imagination and creativity during the opening ceremony |
What to Know About the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
-
Event: 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony officially launches the Winter Games
-
Athletes: More than 2,900 athletes competing from 92 National Olympic Committees
-
Largest delegations:
-
United States: over 230 athletes (largest team)
-
Canada: 210 athletes
-
Italy: 196 athletes (host nation)
-
-
Main venue: San Siro Stadium in Milan
-
Additional locations: Athlete parades and satellite events held in
-
Predazzo
-
Livigno
-
Cortina d'Ampezzo
-
-
Start time: 2 p.m. ET
-
Opening ceremony highlights:
-
Parade of Nations featuring athletes from around the world
-
Lighting of the Olympic flame, symbolizing unity and the official start of competition
-
-
Performers:
-
Mariah Carey
-
Laura Pausini
-
Andrea Bocelli
-
Sabrina Impacciatore, known for her role in The White Lotus
-
-
Purpose: Sets the tone for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, blending global sport with Italian culture and music
2026 Winter Olympics main ceremony is being held at San Siro Stadium, one of Europe’s most iconic sporting venues. Nearly 100 years old, San Siro is the oldest stadium in Italy and a landmark deeply tied to the country’s sporting history. Its selection reflects the organizers’ goal of blending tradition with a modern, inclusive vision for the Games.
In keeping with the multi-city identity of the Games, satellite ceremonies are taking place across the Milano Cortina clusters, including Livigno and Predazzo, allowing fans in the mountain regions to take part in the opening night festivities.
One of the ceremony’s central moments, the Parade of Nations, features athletes from more than 90 countries. The order of entry reflects Olympic tradition and future host arrangements. Team USA enters third to last, as the United States will host the 2034 Winter Olympics. France follows as the second-to-last delegation, ahead of its role as host of the 2030 Games. Italy, as the host nation, closes the parade to a loud reception from the home crowd.
With the ceremony now in progress, the focus shifts from celebration to competition, as the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially begin and the world’s attention turns to the events ahead across northern Italy.
Read more: How to Watch All USA Teams at the Winter Olympics 2026 for Free and Legal
Opening Ceremony Sells Out as 61,000 Fill San Siro Stadium
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony was officially sold out, with approximately 61,000 spectators in attendance at San Siro Stadium in Milan, according to organizers on Friday.
Ticket prices for the high-profile event reached a symbolic maximum of 2,026 euros (more than $2,300), reflecting the year of the Games. At the same time, organizers offered discounted tickets to volunteers at 26 euros (about $31), ensuring broader access to the ceremony inside Italy’s largest stadium.
PHOTOS: Opening ceremony kicks off in Milan
The opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Games kicked off with glitz and glamour from the San Siro Stadium in Milan.
 |
| Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 6, 2026 |
 |
| Italian ballet dancers Antonella Albano and Claudio Coviello perform during the opening ceremony |
Olympic Rings Take Shape in Dramatic Opening Ceremony Moment
One of the defining moments of the opening ceremony came with the formation of the iconic Olympic rings.
Two aerial acrobats were hoisted high above the floor of San Siro Stadium, suspended inside glowing golden rings before plunging downward into a synchronized, spinning descent from the stadium’s highest point.
Moments later, three additional golden rings joined the display. The sequence culminated with all five rings locking into their final formation, punctuated by a burst of sparklers that lit up the stadium and drew a loud reaction from the crowd.
 |
| The Olympic rings are formed during the Opening Ceremony for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the San Siro in Milan, Italy |
How Is Team USA Doing So Far at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Although the 2026 Winter Olympics officially begin after the opening ceremony, several competitions are already underway — and Team USA has started strong across multiple events.
-
Mixed doubles curling: The U.S. opened preliminary play with an 8–1 win over the Czech Republic and a 7–5 victory against Canada on Friday. Those results followed solid performances against Switzerland and Norway on Thursday, putting the Americans in a favorable early position.
-
Figure skating (women’s singles): Alysa Liu made a successful return to Olympic competition, scoring 74.90 in the short program. She currently sits second overall, trailing only Kaori Sakamoto of Japan.
-
Figure skating (team event): Team USA leads the standings after standout performances, highlighted by Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who posted a world-best 91.06 points in the rhythm dance.
-
Women’s ice hockey: On Thursday, the U.S. women’s team opened preliminary play with a convincing 5–1 win over the Czech Republic, continuing its strong tradition in Olympic hockey.
With early victories in curling, figure skating, and hockey, Team USA has established early momentum heading into the official start of competition at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
 |
| Joy Dunne 2nd R of Team USA celebrates after scoring a goal during the ice hockey Women's Preliminary Round Group A match between the United States and the Czech Republic. |
Team USA Flag Bearers Call Role an “Incredible Honor”
Speedskating star Erin Jackson and bobsled Olympian Frank Del Duca, selected as flag bearers for Team USA at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, said the moment carries deep personal and national meaning.
Jackson said being chosen represents far more than an individual achievement, calling it a reflection of her family, teammates, hometown, and supporters across the country. She added that the Olympics highlight sport’s unique ability to unite and inspire, and she is proud to represent those values on the global stage, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Del Duca described the role as an “incredible honor,” noting that carrying the American flag in Italy holds special significance for him. With much of his family tracing its roots to Italy, Del Duca said leading Team USA into the Opening Ceremony feels like a powerful connection between his family’s heritage and the country he is proud to represent.
2:00 p.m. ET - Opening Ceremony Begins at San Siro
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicked off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium, kicking off a roughly three-hour celebration of sport and culture. The ceremony’s theme centers on harmony, reflecting global unity and Italy’s creative heritage.
Performers from Teatro alla Scala’s academy opened the show with dance segments blending classical art with winter sport symbolism. Announcers in French, English, and Italian signaled the start of proceedings to cheers from the packed crowd.
2:10 p.m. ET — Cultural Performances Highlight Italian Icons
The early artistic segment included Italian dancers and performers celebrating Italy’s history through imagery tied to Italian opera masters and cultural icons. Audiences also saw large sculptural pieces and theatrical movement representing winter sport movements.
Notable entertainers and performers scheduled for the ceremony include internationally acclaimed artists such as Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Lang Lang, adding musical prestige to the cultural showcase.
Read more: When Do Team USA Events Air in the U.S.? Winter Olympics 2026 Time Guide
 |
| U.S. singer Mariah Carey performs during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. |
2:30 p.m. ET — Parade of Nations Underway
Athletes from more than 90 countries are now entering the stadium in the traditional Parade of Nations. The order this year reflects Olympic custom and future host designations:
-
Team USA is marching third to last, in recognition of hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics.
-
France, as host of the 2030 Winter Games, enters second to last.
-
Italy, the current host nation, will close the procession.
Flag bearers for many delegations made history, including selections such as speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca for the United States, bringing both athletic achievement and personal stories of pride to the ceremony’s symbolic moment.
2:50 p.m. ET — Multiple Ceremony Sites and Two Cauldrons
In a first for the Games, opening ceremonies are not limited to Milan alone. Complementary athlete parades and ceremonial moments are also occurring in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo — bringing the Games to the mountains where many competitions will take place. These satellite segments allow athletes from sliding sports (like bobsled, luge, and skeleton) to participate without lengthy travel.
Organizers are also lighting two Olympic cauldrons simultaneously — one in Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo — symbolizing the geographical breadth of the 2026 Games across northern Italy.
3:10 p.m. ET — Spectator Reactions and Ceremony Atmosphere
Fans from around the world shared their excitement inside San Siro. One Californian fan said they were thrilled to see “how the world comes together to celebrate sport,” while another from Pennsylvania highlighted the sense of unity as athletes finally get to greet one another on a global stage.
The event’s cultural segments mix modern and traditional elements, blending colorful choreography with classical themes and symbolic representations of art, cuisine, and fashion — all iconic parts of the host country’s identity.
What Else Is Happening Around the Games
Early Athletic Action:
Sports like curling, ice hockey, and figure skating have already begun in northern Italy as part of the pre-opening competition schedule.
Weather Conditions:
Organizers also gained a break from recent rain, with forecasts indicating drier conditions for the ceremony evening.
Global Messages:
Messages promoting peace and unity have been highlighted by global figures, including best-wishes from Pope Leo, who invoked the Olympic tradition of truce and emphasized sport’s role in fostering peace.
Opening Ceremony Pays Tribute to Rossini and Italian Opera
A vibrant artistic sequence unfolded inside San Siro with a musical tribute to Gioachino Rossini, one of Italy’s most celebrated composers. The performance centered on the instantly recognizable William Tell Overture, transforming the stadium into a colorful operatic stage.
The homage to Italian opera continued as actors appeared dressed as legendary composers Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini, reinforcing Italy’s historic influence on classical music and global culture.
Laura Pausini Performs Italian National Anthem
Grammy Award winner Laura Pausini delivered a powerful rendition of Italy’s national anthem during the opening ceremony.
Officially titled “Il Canto degli Italiani” (“The Chant of the Italians”), the anthem is often referred to as “Inno di Mameli” or “Fratelli d’Italia,” its opening words. Written in 1847, the anthem became a symbol of unity during Italy’s fight for independence and was formally adopted after World War II. The performance drew a standing ovation from the San Siro crowd.
San Siro Stadium: A Historic Olympic Stage
The opening ceremony is taking place at San Siro Stadium, the largest stadium in Italy with a capacity of 75,817.
San Siro is famously home to AC Milan and Inter Milan. This marks the second time the stadium has hosted an opening ceremony for a major global sporting event, following the 1990 FIFA World Cup. San Siro has also staged four UEFA Champions League Final matches, most recently in 2016.
How Many U.S. Athletes Are Competing in Milano Cortina?
Team USA has 232 athletes at the Milano Cortina Games, making it the largest U.S. Winter Olympic team in history. The delegation spans multiple sports, from alpine skiing and snowboarding to ice hockey and figure skating.
Shaun White Joins NBC’s Opening Ceremony Coverage
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White is part of NBC’s broadcast team for the opening ceremony, with a focus on the Parade of Nations.
White competed in five Winter Olympics (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and won gold in snowboard halfpipe in 2006, 2010, and 2018, making him one of the most decorated athletes in Winter Games history.
How Long Is the Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The opening ceremony is expected to last approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
-
The Parade of Nations is the longest segment, running just over 1 hour and 3 minutes
-
A 30-minute pre-show precedes the official program
Who Is Performing at the Opening Ceremony?
Global music stars Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli are among the featured performers.
Bocelli’s appearance is a familiar highlight at major international sporting events, adding a distinctly Italian voice to the ceremony’s most emotional moments.
Why Greece Enters First in the Parade of Nations
Greece traditionally leads the Parade of Nations because it is the birthplace of both the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
The ancient Olympics were held for nearly 12 centuries in Greece. When Pierre de Coubertin revived the Games, he selected Athens as the host of the first modern Olympics in 1896.
When Does Team USA Enter the Parade of Nations?
Team USA enters third to last among the 92 delegations.
-
France enters second to last as host of the 2030 Winter Olympics
-
Italy closes the parade as the host nation of the 2026 Games
Olympic Flames: Two Cauldrons, One First in History
For the first time in Olympic history, two Olympic cauldrons will be lit simultaneously:
-
One in Milan
-
One in Cortina d'Ampezzo
The cauldrons are inspired by knot engravings from Leonardo da Vinci, who lived in Milan for 17 years. Officials say the design symbolizes unity between the city and the mountains.
Where to Watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony
-
NBC is broadcasting the ceremony on television
-
Peacock is streaming the event live
