Winter Olympics 2026: Milan-Cortina Games Set to Begin in Less Than a Month
The Road to Milan-Cortina 2026
As the countdown continues to the 2026 Winter Olympics, excitement builds for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of winter sports. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled for February, with the Games set to showcase the best athletic talent from around the globe in the Italian cities of Milan and the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The Winter Olympics represent the pinnacle of winter sporting achievement, bringing together thousands of athletes to compete across disciplines ranging from figure skating and ice hockey to skiing and snowboarding. With less than a month to go, national teams are finalizing their rosters and preparations are reaching their final stages.
Team USA Announces Figure Skating Squad
On Sunday, Jan. 11, 16 athletes were named to the team that will represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan next month. The announcement followed an emotional U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, where athletes competed for coveted spots on the Olympic team. At 26, she is the oldest female U.S. singles skater in 98 years, referring to Amber Glenn, who made history with her qualification.
Opening Ceremony Takes Shape
The Games’ opening ceremony is set to feature world-class entertainment. Andrea Bocelli has been confirmed as one of the headline performers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The internationally acclaimed tenor will appear alongside Mariah Carey during the ceremony, which is scheduled for Feb. The star-studded lineup reflects Italy’s rich cultural heritage and sets the stage for a memorable start to the Games.
Preparations Continue Amid Challenges
While excitement builds, preparations have not been without difficulties. A guard at a construction site near a 2026 Winter Olympic venue in the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo died during a frigid overnight shift, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Italy’s government called for a full investigation into the circumstances of the 55-year-old worker’s death.
What to Expect
The 2026 Winter Olympics will bring together athletes from dozens of nations competing across multiple venues in Milan and Cortina. For sports fans, the Games represent an opportunity to witness history in the making, from potential record-breaking performances to inspiring comeback stories. As February approaches, the world’s attention turns to Italy for what promises to be an unforgettable Winter Olympics.