07-02-2026

2026 Winter Olympics: Opening Ceremony Highlights

Date: 07-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 3 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | nypost.com: 1 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1
Image for cluster 0
Image Source:

Source: edition.cnn.com

Image content: The image is a collage of two photographs. The main subjects or scenes shown are a man in a suit and a group of people marching together. The people, objects, locations, or events visible are an older man wearing a black suit and tie, and a group of approximately 20 people wearing matching black coats and hats with the Italian flag colors and "ITALIA" printed on them, holding a sign that reads "ITALIA". The news-worthy elements or context that can be identified from the image itself are the Italian athletes or delegates participating in an event, likely the Olympics. Here is a concise 2-3 sentence description of the image: The image shows a collage of two photos, one of an older man in a suit and another of a group of people in matching Italian-themed attire. The group is holding a sign that reads "ITALIA" and appears to be marching together. The overall scene depicts an Italian delegation or team participating in an event.

Summary

The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan-Cortina featured performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, a Parade of Nations with 92 participating countries, and mascots Tina and Milo, symbolizing Italian spirit and resilience. The event showcased unity and solidarity, despite some negative crowd reactions. The Games have also seen Chinese sports brands expanding their global presence, and athletes like Alysa Liu competing with newfound freedom and joy.

Key Points

  • The opening ceremony was a vibrant production celebrating Italian culture and the Olympic spirit.
  • The Parade of Nations followed the traditional order, with Greece first and Italy last.
  • Tina and Milo, the Milano Cortina stoats, were unveiled as the Olympic and Paralympic mascots.
  • Teams from around the world showcased their countries' uniforms, featuring various designs and cultural elements.
  • The ceremony was marked by both unity and negative crowd reactions, including jeering at the Israeli delegation.

Articles in this Cluster

Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony: Milan-Cortina Games open as Mariah Carey & Andrea Bocelli perform - BBC Sport

The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony took place across four locations in Milan and Cortina, Italy, featuring performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. The ceremony was a vibrant and impressive production that celebrated Italian culture and the Olympic spirit. The event was marked by a show of unity and solidarity, with a focus on the values of excellence, friendship, and respect. Ukrainian athletes received a warm welcome, while some teams, including the US, Israel, and Georgia, faced negative crowd reactions. The first five gold medals will be awarded on Saturday, marking the beginning of the Games.
Entities: Milan, Cortina, Winter Olympics, Mariah Carey, Andrea BocelliTone: positiveSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

How the opening ceremony Parade of Nations country order works for the 2026 Winter Olympics - CBS News

The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony features a Parade of Nations where athletes from around the world march in country by country. The order of countries is determined by the language of the host country, Italy, with Greece entering first and the host country, Italy, entering last. The penultimate country to enter is France, the host of the 2030 Winter Games. There are 92 National Olympic Committees expected to participate in the Milano Cortina Games. The Parade of Nations has a rich history dating back to the 1908 London Games and has evolved over the years to become an integral part of the opening ceremony.
Entities: Erin Jackson, Frank Del Duca, Greece, Italy, MilanTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Meet the 2026 Winter Olympic mascots, the Milano Cortina stoats Tina and Milo - CBS News

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina have unveiled their mascots, Tina and Milo, two stoats designed by students. Tina is the Olympic mascot, described as creative and down-to-earth, while Milo is the Paralympic mascot, known for being a dreamer who loves to play in the snow. The mascots are joined by six snowdrop flowers called 'The Flo.' The stoat was chosen as it embodies the Italian spirit and is a symbol of resilience, much like the snowdrop flower that blooms in winter. The mascots' designs were selected from over 1,600 entries submitted by students. Experts see the choice of stoats and snowdrops as a nod to resilience and hope in the face of challenges like climate change.
Entities: Tina, Milo, Milano Cortina, 2026 Winter Olympic Games, stoatTone: positiveSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

See the best Olympic opening ceremony outfits of the 2026 Winter Games - CBS News

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics began with a grand opening ceremony where teams from around the world showcased their countries' uniforms. Team USA wore outfits designed by Ralph Lauren, featuring a winter-white wool coat and iconic American flag intarsia wool sweater. Other countries' uniforms were designed by various brands, including Lululemon for Team Canada, Charly for Team Mexico, Ben Sherman for Team Great Britain, EA7 Emporio Armani for Team Italy, Goyol Cashmere for Team Mongolia, and Adidas for Team Germany. The designs incorporated elements of each country's culture and heritage, with a focus on both style and functionality.
Entities: Ralph Lauren, Team USA, Lululemon, Team Canada, CharlyTone: positiveSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

The absolute best looks at the Olympics opening ceremony | CNN

The article discusses the best looks from the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Italy, as presented by CNN's Rachel Tashjian. The ceremony featured various stylish outfits, and the article highlights the most notable ones. The content is primarily focused on the fashion aspect of the event.
Entities: CNN, Rachel Tashjian, Samantha Lindell, 2026 Winter Olympics, MilanTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Maybe you didn't hear the boos at home, but the Winter Olympics opening ceremony became an outlet for rage | World News | Sky News

The Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan became an outlet for rage as some in the crowd jeered at the Israeli delegation and US Vice President JD Vance. The booing was audible over the music in the vast San Siro stadium, despite pleas from IOC president Kirsty Coventry to be respectful. The jeering demonstrated animosity towards Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while the booing of JD Vance reflected anger against the Trump administration. The ceremony also showed solidarity with Ukraine amidst Russia's invasion and cheered for Venezuela following Trump's military interventions. The IOC aimed to promote unity through sport, with Coventry urging athletes to show strength through courage, empathy, and heart.
Entities: Israel, United States, JD Vance, Kirsty Coventry, International Olympic CommitteeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Switzerland women's hockey isolating after norovirus case in Winter Olympics

The Switzerland women's hockey team is in isolation after one of its players tested positive for norovirus following a game against the Czech Republic at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The affected athlete was housed in a single room since arriving at the Olympic Village and isolated from the team since showing symptoms. The team is scheduled to face Canada on Saturday and Team USA on Monday, with their matches potentially being postponed due to the outbreak.
Entities: Switzerland women's hockey team, 2026 Winter Olympics, Norovirus, Finland's women's hockey team, CanadaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Alysa Liu back on the Olympic stage, this time truly herself - The Athletic

The article discusses Alysa Liu's return to the Olympic stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where she competed in the team figure skating competition. Liu, who had previously retired from figure skating in 2022, returned to the sport on her own terms and skated with a newfound sense of freedom and joy. She performed well, placing second in the women's short program and helping the US team take the lead. The article highlights Liu's growth and maturity as a skater, as well as her newfound independence from her father, who had previously controlled her career. Liu's performance was marked by her effervescence and affection for the stage, and she expressed her pride in being able to share her newfound mindset with a global audience.
Entities: Alysa Liu, Milan, Olympic Games, Figure Skating, United StatesTone: positiveSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Chinese sports brands set sights on European expansion at 2026 Winter Olympics | South China Morning Post

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina have become a crucial test case for Chinese sports brands seeking to expand their global presence. Li Ning and Anta, two prominent Chinese sports brands, are at the forefront of this effort. Li Ning has returned as the official partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee and is supplying the national team with clothing and gear. The company is also pushing into overseas markets, having made its Milan Fashion Week debut in January. Anta, on the other hand, is outfitting the Greek national team at the Winter Olympics. Both brands are using the Games as an opportunity to showcase their products on the global stage and expand beyond China.
Entities: Li Ning, Anta, Chinese Olympic Committee, Milan, CortinaTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform