The lights came up in Italy as the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics officially began, marking the start of the 2026 Games with a ceremony built around movement, music, and national pride.
Midway through the parade of nations, the United States delegation made its entrance. The moment was met with strong crowd reaction as Team USA athletes walked together behind the American flag, smiling, waving, and acknowledging spectators. The team’s uniforms reflected a streamlined, modern design, balancing performance with traditional national colors. The flag bearers led the group at an easy pace, signaling a calm but confident start for the U.S. contingent.
The ceremony unfolded across multiple venues, a format organizers said was meant to showcase Italy’s geography and cultural history. Performances combined large-scale visuals with live music, while the athlete parade remained the emotional core of the night.
With the opening ceremony complete, the focus now shifts to competition. For Team USA, the countdown begins toward the first events and early medal chances at the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics.
