The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan-Cortina just proved that even in sub-zero temperatures, the culture stays hot. From the jump, the San Siro stadium radiated high-fashion energy and historic milestones, but it’s Black excellence that truly anchors the return of the games. Besides the usual powerhouses in North America and Europe, there is a noticeable presence of African countries, with a record 14 athletes from eight nations expected to compete. Two of these nations are making their historic Winter Olympic debuts: Benin, represented by alpine skier Nathan Tchibozo, and Guinea-Bissau, represented by alpine skier Winston Tang.
Sports Illustrated notes that the famed Jamaican bobsled team will make its customary appearance with three sleds, as will a large contingent of NHL players returning to the Games for the first time since 2014, eager to grab gold on the ice. Beyond the diverse athletes, the opening ceremony boasted plenty of Black greatness, whether it was legendary speedskater Erin Jackson making history as the first Black woman to carry the flag for Team USA, or the queen of vocals herself, Mariah Carey, taking us on a nostalgic trip with a soulful rendition of “Volare.”
Where is the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics was a historic, boundary-breaking event that didn’t just take place in one stadium – it took over the entire northern region of Italy. While the “main hub” of the festivities was the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, this ceremony was the first of its kind to be truly decentralized. Because the 2026 Games are so spread out (spanning an area roughly the size of New Jersey, as reported by AP News), organizers decided to bring the party to the athletes rather than making everyone trek to a single city
The ceremony unfolded simultaneously across four distinct locations: Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno and Predazzo. This “widespread” format meant that while Mariah Carey was hitting whistle notes in Milan, athletes in the mountain clusters were holding their own parades and celebrations in real time. The theme, “Armonia” (Harmony), was perfectly captured by the lighting of two separate Olympic cauldrons; one at the historic Arco della Pace in Milan and the other in the heart of the Dolomites at Piazza Angelo Dibona in Cortina. Additionally, there are six Olympic villages located in Milan, Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, Predazzo and Anterselva.
Since this is Italy, Modem Online notes that fashion will feature prominently with a reported tribute to Giorgio Armani, who designed the Italian team uniform, as well as historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci.
What countries are banned from the 2026 Olympics?
While the 2026 Winter Olympics is a global stage for unity, there are some notable absences in the Parade of Nations this year. For the second consecutive Games, Russia and Belarus remain officially banned from competing as nations due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed a very select group of 20 athletes – 13 from Russia and seven from Belarus – to participate under the designation of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) across eight sports.
These athletes are essentially “stateless” for the duration of the Games. They compete under a neutral teal flag, and should they reach the podium, a wordless instrumental melody plays in place of a national anthem. Most notably, they were completely excluded from the Opening Ceremony’s Parade of Nations, keeping the focus strictly on the countries that have adhered to the Olympic Charter. Furthermore, North Korea is once again absent from the winter stage, according to The Independent. After a period of suspension and failing to qualify, the reclusive nation has opted to host its own internal winter games instead
What country has won the most Olympic medals?
The United States has won the most Olympic medals. As Britannica notes, the country continues to hold the all-time lead with more than 3,000 total medals gained across the Winter and Summer Games. This impressive tally includes over 1,000 gold medals, largely driven by dominance in sports such as swimming and track and field.
However, Norway holds the record for the most Winter Olympic medals, as highlighted by USA Today. As of the conclusion of the 2022 Games, the Scandinavian nation has bagged 405 total medals (including 148 golds) across all Winter Olympics, significantly outpacing much larger nations through its historic strength in cross-country skiing and biathlon.
Why is Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympics?
The Southern California metropolis will host the Games for the third time in 2028, following its successful turns in 1932 and 1984. LA has a long tradition of Olympic sports and a wealth of existing world-class venues like Dodger Stadium and the Rose Bowl, allowing the city to avoid building new permanent infrastructure. This sustainability-first approach was a key selling point for the IOC, as it minimizes the financial risk and environmental impact typically associated with hosting the Games.
The newly added sports of skateboarding and surfing have a deep history in Los Angeles, originating in the region’s 1950s youth culture. Bringing these sports to the Olympic stage in their “spiritual home” is expected to add to the festive atmosphere. Additionally, the IOC considered the strong local support and the city’s unique private funding model, which relies on corporate sponsorships and ticket sales rather than public tax dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Savannah Guthrie at the Olympics?
The popular Today host was scheduled to co-host the opening ceremony in Italy, but she is no longer traveling to Milan due to an ongoing investigation into her mother’s disappearance in Arizona. The news has drawn widespread sympathy from viewers and colleagues alike as authorities continue their search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Instead, veteran broadcaster Mary Carillo stepped in as NBC’s face for the opening ceremony on Feb. 6.
What are the five new sports at the 2028 Olympics?
The official lineup includes baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash. However, only two of these sports, flag football and squash, are completely new to the Games. The former represents a fast-paced, accessible version of the American classic, while the latter finally earns its place after decades of petitioning by the global squash community. The other three are making comebacks after long absences. Cricket, for example, hasn’t been played since the Paris Games in 1900. Lacrosse is returning as a medal event for the first time since 1908. Baseball and softball also return to the program after their absence in 2024, reflecting their popularity in American sports culture.