The world’s attention turns to Italy on Friday as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially begin, launching with an Opening Ceremony designed to celebrate unity, tradition, and the global reach of winter sports.
Hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the ceremony marks the symbolic start of the Games, bringing together athletes from 92 participating countries in a parade that blends Olympic history with modern production and Italian cultural flair.
As tradition dictates, Greece will lead the procession, honoring its role as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, while Italy will close the march as the host nation.
Between them, athletes from six continents will enter the stadium behind their flags, many making their Olympic debut, others returning as medal contenders.
When and How the World Will Watch
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, airing live on NBC and Peacock, with a primetime encore later in the evening.
Viewers across North America will also have streaming options available through major TV streaming platforms carrying NBC’s broadcast. While DSTV Africa drops Winter Olympics coverage
The ceremony is expected to combine large-scale visuals, musical performances, and storytelling elements reflecting Italy’s role in art, design, and sport — while officially welcoming the athletes who will compete over the next two weeks.
A Global Stage Before Competition Begins
While medals won’t be decided on opening night, the ceremony serves as a powerful introduction to the Games.
It offers a moment of recognition for athletes who have trained for years, as well as a rare opportunity for smaller delegations to share the spotlight alongside winter sports powerhouses.
The Winter Olympics will continue through Sunday, February 22, when the Closing Ceremony brings the curtain down on Milano Cortina 2026.
For fans, the Opening Ceremony is more than pageantry — it’s the first glimpse of the stories, rivalries, and moments that will define this Olympic cycle.