By Hannah Parry and Amanda Castro
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Italian President Sergio Mattarella has declared the 2026 Winter Olympics officially open. Following a colorful opening ceremony that celebrated Italy's rich cultural heritage, athletes from more than 90 countries walked the Parade of Nations before the Games officially began on Friday.
The Milan Cortina Games will kick off with figure skating team events and mixed doubles curling, before the first medals are awarded on Saturday. Events will run for two weeks until the closing ceremony on February 22, hosted by the Verona Olympic Arena.
What To Know
- The Olympic Games opening ceremony began at 2 p.m. on Friday and featured performances from world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, Grammy-winning singer Mariah Carey and Chinese pianist Lang Lang.
- For the first time, the ceremony was held across two places at once: Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
- Two cauldrons, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci' 's work, were lit including one in front of the Arco della Pace in Milan, before moving to San Siro soccer stadium, and the other in Piazza Dibona, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- The ceremonies were inspired by the “Armonia” theme, meaning harmony in Italian, and aimed to blend Italian art, nature, and urban life, according to creative lead Marco Balich.
- They officially kick off the Milano Cortina Games 2026 which will see almost 3,000 athletes from 90 countries compete for a total of 116 medals.
- Hours before the ceremony, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Milan's Piazza Leonardo da Vinci to protest against the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city.
- The games will be available to watch on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock Live.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 06:33 PM EST
Two Olympic cauldrons lit for first time at Winter Olympics
Two cauldrons were lit for the first time at a Winter Olympics on Friday as twin cauldrons were lit in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Ex-Olympic champion skiers Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni lit the cauldron in Milan, and skiing champion Sofia Goggia lit the one in Cortina.
Typically one cauldron is lit and burns throughout the Games.
Goggia, a gold medal winner, received the torch from three-time speed skating medalist Enrico Fabrice.
Feb 06, 2026 at 06:18 PM EST
‘Americana’ pizza at Italy Winter Olympics turns heads
A photo of an “Americana” pizza at a Winter Olympic Village in Italy has sparked online debate in recent days, with former NFL All-Pro Jason Kelce contributing to discussion about the pizza mecca's views on Americans' culinary preferences.
The 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony was held on Friday, with some events occurring earlier in the week. Thousands of the world’s top athletes have joined in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo to compete in a series of athletic events over the coming weeks.
There are two main Olympic Villages in Italy this year, as some athletes will be competing on the mountain at Cortina d'Ampezzo, while others, like figure skaters, in Milan. There are also additional clusters of athletes for some sports in other parts of Italy.
Dan Wolken, senior reporter at Yahoo News, posted a photo of a menu at the Olympics that features an "Americana" pizza as one topped with round meat that looks like sliced hot dogs and french fries. He captioned the post, "I have arrived in Italy for the Olympics and this is what they think of us."
More than 4.2 million people have seen the post, with chiming in. Kelce, the longtime center for the Philadelphia Eagles and older brother to Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, reshared the post, adding the caption, "How f****** dare they!! Also, just curious, do they have ranch or do I need to bring my own?"
Feb 06, 2026 at 06:08 PM EST
French Olympian has dramatic fall during Milan opening ceremony
The Winter Olympic Games are officially on after the opening ceremony at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy.
Curlers are throwing stones down the rink. Hockey players are rattling the boards with their hits. Figure skaters are wowing crowds with their artistry and spins on the rink.
And one French skier defaulted early on Friday, having an epic (coordinated) slip during the kickoff festivities that lit the internet on fire.
Read in full: French Olympian Has Dramatic Fall During Milan Opening Ceremony
Feb 06, 2026 at 06:06 PM EST
Team USA members speak out against ICE
Team USA freestyle skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess told a Friday press conference that the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents do not reflect the U.S.
Newsweek reached out to the White House by email on Friday evening for comment.
Lillis, who will compete in Aerials events, said at a press conference earlier in the day that "as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure that we're treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect," adding that he is "heartbroken about what's happening in the United States," specifically in response to questions about ICE and the resulting protests.
"I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that's the America that we're trying to represent," Lillis said.
Hunter Hess, another freestyle skier, went even further, saying that competing for the USA at this time brings up "mixed emotions ... it's a little hard."
"There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't," Hess said. "Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S."
Feb 06, 2026 at 05:45 PM EST
Who are Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca? US Olympic flag bearers 2026
Representing the United States during the Opening Ceremony are Olympic champion speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca, the country’s flag bearers, marking the second straight Winter Games in which the U.S. had two flag bearers.
The duo were chosen by their fellow Team USA athletes through a team vote. They’re just the second pair of Americans to share such an honor during the Winter Games.
Jackson, who won gold int he women's 500m in the 2022 Beijing Games, is the ninth U.S. speed skater, and Del Duca, who is competing in his second Olympic Games, is the sixth U.S. bobsledder to serve as flag bearers. Del Duca is also the first bobsledder in 70 years to receive the honor.
Feb 06, 2026 at 05:32 PM EST
Olympic flag is raised
The Olympic flag has been carried to the flagpole by former champions including marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and has been raised while Cecilia Bartoli performs the Olympic anthem, accompanied by Chinese pianist Lang Lang.
Feb 06, 2026 at 05:27 PM EST
Charlize Theron offers message of peace she called ‘more relevant than ever’
Charlize Theron, a U.N. Messenger of Peace, took to the stage after Ghali's performance to share a "message from peace" from former South African President Nelson Mandela.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict," Theron said. "Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference."
The Oscar-winner said that the call for peace was "more relevant than ever."
"Let these games be ... a resounding call for peace everywhere," she added.
Feb 06, 2026 at 05:25 PM EST
Opening ceremony performance offers message of peace
Italian rapper Ghali's performance recalled a poem by Italian children's author Gianni Rodari called “La Pace" (Peace).
The lyrics, which repeat the line "We want peace," also talk about everyday actions such as washing up, playing and setting the table, alongside things people should never do: ‘’by day or by night, by land or by sea, for example, war.’’
The performance ended with dancers forming the shape of a dove on the stage.
Feb 06, 2026 at 05:18 PM EST
Andrea Bocelli takes to stage as torch bearers make final leg of journey to Milan cauldron
World-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli performed Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma,’' as torch bearers passed the Olympic flame along its final leg of the journey to the Milan cauldron at the Arch of Peace.
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:59 PM EST
IOC president says strength ‘isn’t just about winning, it’s about courage, empathy and heart’
President of the International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympian, addressed the athletes as she spoke on at the ceremony, as she told them, "Now, it's your turn: My fellow Olympians. Now it's your moment, it's your Games.
"We cannot wait to watch you, to cheer for you, to be inspired by you. To see your courage, your strength, to see the best of humanity shine before the world."
Coventry is a seven-time Olympic medalist who represented Zimbabwe in swimming, also spoke about the real signs of strength and success in the Games.
“Over the next two weeks, you’re going to give us something truly special. You’ll show us what it means to be human, to dream, to overcome, to respect one another, to care for each other,” she said. “You’ll show us that strength isn’t just about winning. It’s about courage, empathy and heart.”
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:54 PM EST
The games are officially open
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has officially opened the 2026 Winter Games.
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:52 PM EST
JD Vance booed at Winter Games ceremony
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:43 PM EST
Honorary coach Snoop Dogg cheers on Team USA
Honorary Team USA coach Snoop Dogg was seen cheering on the undefeated Team USA curling team on Friday, before taking to the ice to try out the sport for himself.
The rapper, wearing a red jacket with the American flag and the words "Coach Snoop" on the back, pick up a curling broom as he prepared to throw the heavy polished stone.
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:34 PM EST
Italy brings Parade of Nations to a close
Italy’s athletes, donned in Emporio Armani, have brought he Parade of Nations to a close.
The 2026 Winter Olympics host nation were met with loud cheers as its athletes walked out to the opening aria from the opera The Barber of Seville.
This is the third Winter Olympics that Italy has hosted, having previously held the games in Cortina in 1956 and in Turin in 2006.
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:30 PM EST
IN PICTURES: Team USA Parade shows off Alpine style in Parade of Nations
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:30 PM EST
British-American skier spells out anti-ICE message in the snow
British-American freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy spelled out “f--k ice” in the snow in urine, ahead of his Olympic run.
Kenworthy, who has competed for both Team USA and Team Great Britain, shared a photo of the message on Instagram, as he urged Americans to urge their senators "to speak up against ICE."
He also shared a sample script that people could use when calling their senators that said, "Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities. Senators still have leverage right now, and Senator [Name] must use it to demand real guardrails and accountability — including getting ICE and CBP out of our communities, ending blank-check funding for brutality, and establishing clear limits on warrantless arrests, profiling, and enforcement at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals."
Kenworthy, who won silver for Team USA in 2014, is one of several athletes speaking out ICE and its tactics in the wake of the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
Team Great Britain has not publicly commented on Kenworthy's message.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 04:04 PM EST
Carrillo and Schleper shine in Olympic parade
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Figure skater Devon Carrillo brought energy to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony, smiling broadly as he waved his nation’s flag. Carrillo and his teammates wore jackets he had proudly previewed earlier in the week on TikTok.
The parade also featured alpine skier Sarah Schleper, a veteran of multiple Olympics, alongside her 18‑year‑old son, Lasse Gaxiola. Both are competing in alpine skiing this year, marking a rare family appearance on the Olympic stage.
Feb 06, 2026 at 04:00 PM EST
Team USA arrives in Ralph Lauren alpine style
All 232 athletes representing the United States at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games marched into Northern Italy outfitted in Ralph Lauren designs. The uniforms featured white pants, wool coats, and sweaters emblazoned with the American flag, complemented by red, white, and blue knit hats, mittens, and suede alpine boots with red laces.
Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder U.S. Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca carried the flag at the head of the delegation. The apparel, first unveiled on TODAY in December, marks Ralph Lauren’s 10th collaboration with Team USA. The company described the look as “inspired by classic alpine style,” blending heritage with modern sporting elegance.
Feb 06, 2026 at 03:57 PM EST
Puerto Rico cheered at Olympic ceremony despite no athletes
Puerto Rico drew one of the loudest ovations at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony, even though the delegation had no athletes on hand. The territory was represented only by a card carrier, who proudly marched under the island’s flag.
Though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it competes in the Olympics under its own flag and National Olympic Committee.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 03:53 PM EST
Norwegian sweaters steal spotlight at Olympic ceremony
The Norwegian delegation leaned into tradition at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, arriving in classic Norwegian sweaters. The look quickly became one of the standout fashion statements of the opening ceremony.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 03:48 PM EST
Malaysia’s lone athlete carries flag at Winter Olympics
Malaysia’s presence at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games came down to one athlete: Alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin. The 21‑year‑old carried the Jalur Gemilang — the “Stripes of Glory” — alone during the opening ceremony, a moment she described as both heavy and proud.
Salehhuddin first represented Malaysia at age 17, becoming the nation’s inaugural female Winter Olympian. Inspired by her father, who competed in slalom canoeing at the 1996 Atlanta Games, she has pursued skiing despite Malaysia’s tropical climate. Raised in Washington State and now based in Colorado Springs, she trains and competes internationally, often without the financial backing available to larger delegations.
Malaysia is one of 15 countries fielding a single athlete at these Games, joining nations such as Eritrea, Pakistan, Malta, Nigeria, and Puerto Rico. Salehhuddin designed her ski suit to feature Malaysia’s national flower, the red hibiscus, and says she hopes to prove that “a tropical girl in the winter world” can thrive on the Olympic stage.
Feb 06, 2026 at 03:39 PM EST
Guinea-Bissau joins Winter Olympics Parade for first time
History was made at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games as Guinea‑Bissau appeared in the Parade of Athletes for the first time in Winter Olympic history.
The West African nation, better known for its warm climate and soccer tradition, made its debut on the icy stage, with athletes proudly carrying the national flag during the ceremony.
Feb 06, 2026 at 03:34 PM EST
Haitian athletes showcase hand-painted designs at Olympics
Haiti’s delegation made a striking impression at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games with uniforms created by Italian‑Haitian designer Stella Jean. Alpine skier Richardson Viano and cross‑country skier Stevenson Savart wore hand‑painted outfits featuring a vivid red horse set against a sky‑blue background.
The design was inspired by the work of Haitian‑born painter and sculptor Édouard Duval‑Carrié, blending art and sport in a powerful display of cultural pride.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 03:30 PM EST
Tom Daley designs accessories for Team GB flag bearers
Great Britain’s athletes made a stylish statement at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games as their flag bearers entered wearing scarves and hats designed by former Olympic diver Tom Daley. Daley, who has become widely known for his knitting, collaborated with official outfitter Ben Sherman to create the accessories.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 03:19 PM EST
Republic of Korea shows out during the parade
The Republic of Korea has taken center stage during the parade. The athletes are dressed in The North Face.
Feb 06, 2026 at 03:14 PM EST
Olympic flag bearers highlight gender equity
Spectators at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games may notice that many nations have two athletes leading their delegations during the Parade of Nations. The reason isn’t the weight of the flagpoles, but a directive from the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC asked each country to select one male and one female athlete to share the honor of carrying the flag, a move designed to underscore gender equity on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Feb 06, 2026 at 03:11 PM EST
Team USA opens Winter Olympics with strong performances
Although the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games officially begin after the opening ceremony, several competitions are already underway — and Team USA is off to a fast start.
In mixed doubles curling, the Americans defeated the Czech Republic 8‑1 and edged Canada 7‑5 in preliminary play Friday, following earlier wins against Switzerland and Norway.
Figure skater Alysa Liu marked her return to Olympic competition with a score of 74.90 in the women’s singles short program, placing second behind Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto. In the team event, Madison Chock and Evan Bates delivered a world‑best 91.06 points in the rhythm dance, helping the United States take the lead.
On the ice Thursday, the U.S. women’s hockey team opened with a 5‑1 victory over the Czech Republic in preliminary action.
Feb 06, 2026 at 03:07 PM EST
Canada arrives in style, by the way
Team Canada turned heads at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games with a spirited entrance in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The nation’s 211 athletes marched proudly in head‑to‑toe Lululemon outfits, accented with maple leaf designs that underscored their national pride.
Canada arrives with strong expectations, having secured at least 24 medals in each of the past five Winter Olympics. Men’s hockey has been a cornerstone of that success, accounting for 23 of those medals
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Feb 06, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST
Canada’s 211 athletes enter the procession
Canada is walking as part of the Parade of Nations, with its 211 athletes, wearing red caps and jackets, cheered, blew kisses and waved to the camera as they walked along the runway.
Canada is one of the strong contenders to win gold at this year's games, especially at ice hockey.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:55 PM EST
IN PICTURES: Athletes march in the Parade of Nations
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Feb 06, 2026 at 02:53 PM EST
Greece kicks off the Parade of Nations
Greece - the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games - has kicked off the Parade of the Nations, as tradition dictates.
The athletes, wearing white coats and blue hats and waving the Greek flag of the same colors, were all smiles as they walked across the stage.
Delegations from the 93 countries competing in this year's Winter Games will follow Greece in alphabetical order, based on their names in Italian, aside from Italy which will go last as host to close out the parade.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:48 PM EST
Golden rings in honor of the Olympics float above the ceremony
Five golden rings, to represent the iconic symbol of the Olympics, now float above arena.
They began with two rings, with performers suspended inside them, before they were joined by the three remaining rings to form the symbol.
Fireworks shot out of the rings to "represent this year's theme - Armonia (harmony) and to signal the beginning of the procession of the athletes.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:48 PM EST
Where is San Siro Stadium?
Milan’s San Siro stadium staged its final global showcase Friday as the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics unfolded inside the nearly century‑old arena.
The venue, officially renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in 1980, has been home to Inter Milan and AC Milan for decades. Last fall, the clubs purchased the stadium and surrounding property from the city, confirming plans to demolish it and construct a new arena ahead of the 2032 European Championship, which Italy will co‑host with Turkey.
Built in 1926 in just over a year, San Siro grew from an initial capacity of 35,000 to more than 80,000 after successive expansions. Its distinctive cylindrical towers and three‑tiered stands, added before the 1990 World Cup, made it one of the most recognizable stadiums in Europe.
Beyond soccer, San Siro has hosted international rugby, boxing, and concerts by global stars including Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and The Rolling Stones. For the Olympic ceremony, capacity was reduced to 60,000, marking a symbolic final chapter for a venue long nicknamed “La Scala del calcio.”
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Feb 06, 2026 at 02:43 PM EST
Pierfrancesco Favino performs iconic Italian poem ‘L’infinito’
Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, who has appeared in American movies such as "the Traitor" and countless Italian films, performed a recital of “L’infinito,” a famous Italian poem by Giacomo Leopardi.
Written around 1819, it explores the human experience of contemplating the infinite.
“This lonely hill was always dear to me, and this hedgerow, which cuts off the view of so much of the last horizon,” he began. “But sitting here and gazing, I can see beyond, in my mind’s eye, unending spaces.”
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:43 PM EST
Olympic rings spotlighted as symbol of global harmony
During the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, organizers highlighted the enduring symbolism of the Olympic rings.
In a message shared on social media, the Olympic Games account described the rings as representing Armonia — harmony — intended to unite people, places, and generations worldwide. The five interlocking colors, long recognized as the movement's emblem, were celebrated as a reminder of the Games’ mission to foster unity through sport.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:40 PM EST
Armani remembered at Milano Cortina Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics opened in Milan with a poignant reminder of the city’s connection to fashion icon Giorgio Armani. In May, just months before his death at age 91, Armani reflected on the significance of the Games and their partnership with the Paralympics.
“Milan, the Olympics and the Paralympics. I couldn’t imagine a more inspiring collaborative project, one that features the city that gave me so much and sport,” he said at the time.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:36 PM EST
Laura Pausini sings Italian national anthem
Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini has performed the Italian national anthem, "Fratelli d'Italia."
The Grammy and Golden Globe award winner brought her powerful vocals to the moving performance on Friday.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:33 PM EST
Italian flag honored in Armani at Olympic ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games featured a striking tribute to Italy’s national colors. Women dressed in silk Giorgio Armani suits in white, green, and red entered the stadium, symbolizing the Italian flag.
Model Vittoria Ceretti followed in white, carrying the flag into the arena. She then presented it to an honor guard, underscoring the ceremony’s blend of fashion, tradition, and national pride.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST
JD Vance joins Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and IOC president in the crowd
Vice President JD Vance is standing alongside Italian President Sergio Mattarella and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic athlete, for the opening ceremony.
The camera just panned to the world leaders who smiled for the crowds.
The crowd did not appear to have any reaction to the politicians' appearance on the big screen.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:29 PM EST
Winter Olympics open in Milan amid global tensions
Athletes and fans from around the world gathered in Milan on Friday for the official opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics, a celebration unfolding amid geopolitical strain.
President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about seeking control of Greenland have added to the charged atmosphere surrounding the Games. At a press conference on Thursday, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland addressed concerns about hostility toward American athletes. “We don’t anticipate a lot of negative energy on the field of play,” she said, noting that extensive preparation has been done to ensure athletes feel secure and supported.
The Games also reflect the ongoing fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Competitors from Russia and Belarus are barred from representing their nations and may only participate as Individual Neutral Athletes, or AINs. Several have been cleared to compete in at least eight events under that designation.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:26 PM EST
Milan celebrate its impact on the fashion industry
The opening ceremony became a catwalk as Milan showed off its long history of fashion and iconic brands.
Giorgio Armani, who died at his Milan home last year, got a special mention and dozens of models, wearing the red, white and green of the Italian flag, walked down the runway wearing Giorgio Armani suits.
"He’s synonymous with millionaires and fashion," the NBC hosts said. "He really helped with this city on the fashion map."
Vittoria Ceretti, the Italian supermodel who has been dating Leo DiCaprio since 2023 and walked for major fashion houses like Dior, Celine, and Alexander McQueen, was among the models, carrying the flag to a member of the honor guard.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:24 PM EST
IN PICTURES: Mariah Carey performs at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony
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Feb 06, 2026 at 02:20 PM EST
Italy shows off its rich cultural heritage with nods to its famous artists, musicians
The opening ceremony is a celebration of all things Italian, with giant tubes of paint falling from the ceiling, operatic songs and sheet music and dances set to La Dolce Vita, as Mian Cortina celebrates its rich cultural heritage.
At one point, three dancers donned giant bobble heads of Italy's most famous composers: Giacomo Puccini, an opera composer of the late 19th century, Gioachino Antonio Rossini, a composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras, and Giuseppe Verdi, widely regarded as one of the most influential opera creators in history. The dancers took to the stage to perform a dance to an electro beat.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:18 PM EST
Mariah Carey takes to the stage
Grammy-award winning Mariah Carey has taken to the stage to perform a song in Italian.
Keeping in the theme, Carey wore a floor-length gown in white and silver, with a white feather boa.
She sang Domenico Modugno’s “Nel blu, dipinto di blu,” known as “Volare," written by Domenico Modugno and Johnny Dorelli.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:15 PM EST
Olympic opening ceremony showcases Italian myth and beauty
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games opened with a celebration of Italian culture, transforming Milan’s San Siro Stadium into a living museum.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:14 PM EST
Angelic performance takes place on stage
Performers dressed as angels, in white and silver, danced in a glittering spiral circle at the opening ceremony event.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:06 PM EST
Opening ceremony launches historic Milano Cortina Winter Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened Friday in Milan, marking the Games’ return to Italy two decades after Turin hosted in 2006.
This year’s edition is the most geographically expansive Winter Olympics ever staged, with competition venues spread across roughly 8,500 square miles — an area comparable to the size of New Jersey. Events will take place across the Lombardy and Veneto regions, stretching from Milan to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites.
Organizers say the wide footprint reflects both Italy’s diverse sporting heritage and the logistical challenge of staging competitions in multiple alpine and urban settings.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:04 PM EST
US Winter Olympics hospitality space changes name from ‘Ice House’ to ‘Winter House’ amid anti-ICE protests
Three U.S. Olympic bodies have changed the name of their shared athlete hospitality space at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics from “Ice House” to “Winter House,” following widespread protests in both Italy and the U.S. over the role and conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The space — created by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and U.S. Speedskating for athletes, their families and partners — was originally unveiled as “Ice House” last year. However, critics argued that the name carried negative connotations amid a politically charged climate surrounding immigration enforcement.
In a joint statement, the U.S. national governing bodies said, “Our hospitality concept was designed to be a private space free of distractions where athletes, their families, and friends can come together to celebrate the unique experience of the Winter Games,” and added that the new name better reflects that mission.
Athletes and officials have generally welcomed the change, with U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn saying she thought the change was “wise” and acknowledging the emotional impact of the term “ICE” for many. The venue — now the “Winter House” — is slated to host meet-and-greets, medal celebrations, watch parties and other events and will feature in NBC’s coverage of the Games, even though it remains a private space not open to the general public.
Feb 06, 2026 at 02:03 PM EST
Winter Olympics opening ceremony begins
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony has begun.
Feb 06, 2026 at 01:52 PM EST
WATCH: Lindsey Vonn airlifted after devastating crash before Olympics
Feb 06, 2026 at 01:38 PM EST
Lindsey Vonn completes training run days after ACL tear
Just two days ago, American skier Lindsey Vonn announced she tore her ACL during a tune-up for the women's downhill race at the Winter Olympics.
"Well … I completely tore my ACL last Friday. I also sustained a bone bruise (which is a common injury when you tear your ACL), plus meniscal tears but it’s unclear how much of that was there previously and what was new from the crash," she announced. "This was obviously incredibly hard news to receive one week before the Olympics. I really appreciate everyone giving me time and space to process what happened and find a way forward."
Instead of the devastating injury ending her Olympics dream, Vonn was determined to press forward.
Read in full: Lindsey Vonn Completes Training Run Days After ACL Tear – Here’s Her Time
Feb 06, 2026 at 01:24 PM EST
Why are Russia and Belarus banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred Russia and Belarus from competing as national delegations in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and Belarus’s role in supporting those attacks. The ban follows the same rationale applied to their exclusion from the 2024 Paris Olympics, where both nations were prohibited from competing under their own flags due to their involvement in the war.
Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The attack served as the escalation of a conflict that had begun in 2014 when Russia occupied Crimea and annexed it from Ukraine.
While the two countries are restrictedfrom competing under their national flags, identities, or anthems, some athletes from the countries may participate as Individual Neutral Athletes, or “AINs”, per the IOC executive board. The Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP) will consider each athlete's Russian or Belarusian passport and additional criteria before they can be accepted as a participant in the Winter Games.
This requirement stems from the IOC’s October 2023 suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. After the IOC imposed sanctions against Russia, the ROC was stripped of its right to send athletes to the Games, and funding was cut.
Feb 06, 2026 at 01:10 PM EST
What new events will feature in this year’s Winter Olympics?
Among the traditional lineup of winter sports expected to be featured at this event, ski mountaineering will also make its Olympic debut this year.
While only one new sport will be introduced at this year’s Games, eight new events are set to debut across a range of disciplines. Among them is mixed team skeleton, featuring one male and one female athlete per nation, alongside the introduction of women’s doubles in luge.
Feb 06, 2026 at 12:56 PM EST
Will Savannah Guthrie be covering the Winter Olympics after the disappearance of her mother?
NBC has announced that former tennis player and veteran broadcaster Mary Carillo will step in for Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie during Friday’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Italy.
Guthrie, 54, was originally slated to co‑host the event alongside Terry Gannon at Stadio San Siro, before her 84-year-old mother Nancy was reported missing from her Tucson home on Sunday.
Police believe she was abducted and a ransom letter has been received in the wake of her disappearance.
“Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support,” said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production.
Craig Melvin, Guthrie’s Today co‑host, was scheduled to host Olympic Late Night from Milan between February 7 and 9, but NBC confirmed he will also remain in the United States.
Feb 06, 2026 at 12:40 PM EST
WATCH: Newsweek explains everything you need to know about the Winter Olympics
Feb 06, 2026 at 12:24 PM EST
Under 26 get two-for-one tickets
People under the age of 26 can get two valid Category D tickets at the price of one, thanks to Promo26, an initiative launched by Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, allowing you people to experience this global event firsthand despite the cost.
Feb 06, 2026 at 12:17 PM EST
Where to get tickets
Tickets for the opening ceremony in Milan are only available through the official portal and the Tickets MilanoCortina2026 app, the only app providing access to competition venues and ceremonies using a digital ticket.
The Milano Cortina 2026 website warns that purchasing tickets through unauthorised channels exposes you to the risk of invalid or cancelled tickets.
Meanwhile, the simultaneous opening ceremony in Cortina d’Ampezzo will be open to the public.
Feb 06, 2026 at 12:02 PM EST
WATCH: Will ICE be present at the Winter Olympics in Milan?
Feb 06, 2026 at 11:49 AM EST
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics and opening ceremony
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan will be broadcast live on USA Network, CNBC, NBC and streamed on Peacock at 2 p.m. ET on Friday.
It can also be watched on NBC's Olympic Games website, NBCOlympics.com.
A primetime presentation will air this evening, from 8 p.m. ET, on NBC.
Feb 06, 2026 at 11:37 AM EST
Winter Olympics 2026 schedule
The Milano Cortina 2026 games will officially start on February 6, after the opening ceremony, and run until February 22, with events scheduled each day in between.
The games open with figure skating team events and mixed doubles curling, before the first medals are awarded on Saturday, February 7.
The first week features alpine skiing, snowboard and freestyle events, with downhill races, ski jumping, slopestyle and big air finals spread across February 8-11. Figure skating medals will also be decided at this time.
From February 12-16, the schedule will intensify with halfpipe, moguls, snowboard cross, and speed skating finals, alongside the start of bobsleigh and ice hockey medal rounds.
The final days, February 17-22 will feature figure skating, ski mountaineering, aerials, slalom and snowboard finals, followed by men’s and women's curling gold medal matches, four-men bobsleigh, women’s 50 km cross country, and the men’s hockey finals. Games will conclude on Sunday, February 22 with the closing ceremony in Verona.
Feb 06, 2026 at 11:30 AM EST
When do the Games begin?
While the official opening ceremony takes place on Friday at 2 p.m. ET, some of the action started early this week.
The mixed doubles curling round-robin sessions, the only sport to be featured every day at these Olympic games, began on Wednesday, while both the women’s ice hockey preliminaries and the men’s snowboarding big air qualifiers started Thursday.
Feb 06, 2026 at 11:25 AM EST
Who will perform at the opening ceremony?
Among the announced guests this year are the iconic five-time Grammy Award winner Mariah Carey, and Laura Pausini, the only Italian artist to have won a Grammy, a Latin Grammy, and a Golden Globe.
Other local star guests scheduled to appear at this year’s opening ceremony include actors Matilda De Angelis, Pierfrancesco Favino, Emmy-nominee White Lotus’ Sabrina Impacciatore, and rapper Ghali.
Chinese pianist Lang Lang and mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli are also in line to perform, so is Andrea Bocelli, one of the most renowned Italian artists of all times.
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Feb 06, 2026 at 11:21 AM EST
Opening ceremony and Games will be hosted at multiple locations
Unlike past games usually centered around one single Olympic village, the 2026 games will be spread across multiple locations in northern Italy.
Milan will be the main urban hub, while mountain-focused events will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val di Fiemme, Bormio, and Livigno.
The opening ceremony will take place in two different locations simultaneously: Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
Two cauldrons inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci will be lit one in front of the Arco della Pace in Milan before moving to San Siro soccer stadium, and the other one in Piazza Dibona, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Feb 06, 2026 at 11:18 AM EST
Where to buy Team USA Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics merchandise
With the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Games today, Milano Cortina 2026 is officially underway, and Fanatics is your official home for Winter Olympics gear.
Team USA is heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics with its largest-ever Winter Games roster, featuring 232 athletes across events like skiing, figure skating, speed skating, hockey, bobsled, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. The team includes a deep mix of seasoned Olympians and rising stars, with 98 returning competitors and 18 Olympic champions seeking medals once again.
For fans of Team USA and the Winter Olympics, a vast amount of apparel has been released to the public. Fanatics’ official Olympic store offers a wide range of officially licensed Team USA apparel and accessories so fans can show their support throughout the Winter Games, from basic essentials to more performance-ready styles. The collection features everything from standard t-shirts and hoodies to the official Polo Ralph Lauren gear the athletes will be wearing, as well as a number of various collaborations with designer brands like Off Season and Mitchell & Ness.
Feb 06, 2026 at 11:16 AM EST
Full list of countries banned from 2026 Winter Olympics
As the world prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, a major geopolitical flashpoint continues to shape the lineup of nations not permitted to compete.
Russia and Belarus remain sidelined from full participation due to their roles in the ongoing war in Ukraine, though viewers may still see athletes from both countries appear in the competition.
Russia and Belarus are not the first countries barred from Olympic participation. At least 13 countries have faced bans throughout history, for reasons ranging from war involvement to apartheid to doping violations.
World War I and II Bans:
The earliest Olympic bans followed World War I, when Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey were excluded from the 1920 Games for their roles in the conflict. Germany’s ban continued through 1924. After World War II, Germany and Japan were again barred from participating in the 1948 Olympics.
Apartheid-Era Bans:
South Africa was banned from 1964 to 1992 due to its apartheid regime, making it one of the longest Olympic exclusions in history. South Africa returned for the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Doping Violations:
Over time, bans also reflected doping scandals, or when athletes are supplied with prohibited substances, like steroids, to boost performance. The IOC took the unprecedented step of banning Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics due to its state‑sponsored doping program, per History.com.
Modern-Era Bans:
More recently, Afghanistan was banned from the 2000 Olympics, as the Taliban prohibited women from participating in sports and prohibition of sports. Kuwait was temporarily suspended in 2015 for government interference in its national Olympic committee. Various nations have also been barred or otherwise restricted from competition for violating IOC rules, engaging in war, or undermining human rights standards.
Historically, the Olympics have served as a barometer of geopolitical behavior, restricting participation from countries whose actions violate the principle of peace in the Olympic Charter.
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