On January 20, 2026, the White House officially confirmed the composition of the U.S. delegation for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, just weeks ahead of the highly anticipated opening ceremony. The Games, set to begin on February 6, 2026, will mark a momentous occasion as athletes from around the world come together in one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities. Leading the American delegation will be Vice President J.D. Vance, who is set to represent the United States at the global event. Joining him will be an influential group of U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Second Lady Usha Vance. Their presence at the ceremony underscores the importance of the event, both politically and culturally, as the U.S. takes part in one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world.
The delegation will also feature a number of Team USA athletes, who will represent the country in various winter sports competitions throughout the Games. These athletes, many of whom have trained for years to compete at the highest level, will carry the hopes and pride of millions of Americans as they take to the slopes, ice rinks, and ski jumps. Some of the athletes attending the ceremony may also be preparing to compete in events that will showcase the depth and talent of U.S. sports, ranging from figure skating to alpine skiing to ice hockey. Along with the athletes, former Olympians who have previously competed for Team USA will be included in the delegation, adding a layer of experience and legacy to the U.S. presence at the Games.
In addition to the political and athletic figures, the opening ceremony is set to feature performances by some of the world’s most iconic entertainers. Mariah Carey, renowned for her powerful vocals and widespread global influence, will take the stage, adding a touch of pop music glamour to the event. Also scheduled to perform is Andrea Bocelli, the world-famous Italian tenor, whose music is expected to evoke both emotion and grandeur during the opening festivities. Their participation in the ceremony not only highlights the cultural exchange between the U.S. and Italy but also ensures that the event will be a celebration of not just athletics but also art and music.
Milan’s San Siro Stadium, one of the most iconic sports venues in the world, will serve as the stunning backdrop for the opening ceremony. The stadium, which has hosted numerous major sporting events over the years, will be transformed into a stage for one of the most anticipated ceremonies in Olympic history. With a capacity to hold tens of thousands of spectators, the stadium will be filled with fans from around the world, eager to witness the excitement of the Winter Olympics as it officially begins.
For U.S. viewers, the opening ceremony will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. These broadcasts will allow millions of Americans to watch the ceremony in real time, as well as follow the progress of the American athletes throughout the Games. This media coverage will play a crucial role in fostering national pride and enthusiasm for Team USA as they compete for gold in Milan-Cortina.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are expected to be a significant event for the international community, and the U.S. delegation’s participation is a testament to the country’s ongoing commitment to Olympic excellence. The confirmation of the delegation, led by Vice President Vance, along with the inclusion of celebrated athletes and the star-studded performance lineup, sets the stage for a remarkable opening ceremony that will be remembered for years to come. As the Winter Games draw nearer, excitement continues to build not only for the U.S. delegation but for the athletes and nations that will gather in Milan to celebrate the best of winter sports on the global stage.