2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Commence Across Northern Italy

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics officially commenced on Friday evening, local time, with an opening ceremony held across four locations in northern Italy. Milan's San Siro stadium served as the primary venue, alongside events in Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo. The ceremony featured an athlete's parade, artistic performances, and the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons.

Multi-Venue Commencement

The opening ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was distributed across four separate locations in northern Italy, reflecting the Games' dispersed nature. Milan's San Siro stadium functioned as the central venue, hosting approximately 60,000 spectators. Other components of the ceremony took place in Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo.

Athlete Parade and National Teams

Athletes representing over 90 countries participated in the parade. The 53-member Australian team marched in separate groups across the different venues.

In Livigno, flag-bearers Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham led a contingent of 23 Australian athletes. Ten Australian athletes were present in Cortina, five in Milan, and two in Predazzo. Skier Daisy Thomas did not join the Australian march in Livigno following an injury sustained in training earlier that day.

For Great Britain, figure skater Lilah Fear served as the flagbearer in Milan, while bobsledder Brad Hall carried the flag in Cortina. The Italian team received cheers across all four locations.

Varied Audience Reception at San Siro

Audience reactions at the San Siro Stadium were varied. The Ukraine team received a positive reception. Negative crowd reactions were directed at the Israel team and the Georgia team.

The United States team initially received cheers, but boos were directed at US Vice-President JD Vance when he appeared on screen.

This occurred amidst reported controversy concerning the presence of immigration enforcement agents (ICE) for security at the Games.

Artistic Performances and Participants

The ceremony featured performances celebrating Italian music, art, and culture, including tributes to composers, visual artists, and films.

Performers included Italian actress Matilda De Angelis, American singer Mariah Carey, Italian ballet dancers Antonella Albano and Claudio Coviello, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, soprano Cecelia Bartoli, singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, and actress Sabrina Impacciatore. Andrea Bocelli performed during the torch's arrival at the San Siro.

Actress Charlize Theron, an Olympics ambassador, also participated, and rapper Snoop Dogg was noted for his presence at the Games.

Dual Olympic Cauldrons Lit

The ceremony concluded with the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons.

In Milan, the torch was lit by former skier Alberto Tomba. In Cortina, the flame was lit by 2018 downhill gold medallist Sofia Goggia.