• Let the games begin: Italian President Sergio Mattarella declared the 2026 Winter Olympics open. Two cauldrons — one in Milan and one in Cortina — have been lit, marking a first in the Winter Games’ history.

Milan's San Siro Stadium played the role of primary host. But, in the spirit of these unusually widespread Games, simultaneous celebrations were also held in the clusters of Livigno, Predazzo and Cortina d'Ampezzo, which — for the first time ever — lit a second Olympic cauldron.

Commentators Mary Carillo and Terry Gannon hosted the NBC broadcast of the ceremony, which features a traditional performance by the host country of every Olympic Games. See the artists who used music to unite the viewers across the world before athletes compete across sports from skiing to ice hockey, vying for gold.