The 2026 Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony is set for Friday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Primetime coverage will air on NBC at 8 p.m. ET.

Some Olympic events start before the Opening Ceremony due to the jam-packed Olympic schedule and the limited time available for certain sports that have longer tournament formats. Sports that feature a round-robin format alongside a knockout stage often require more than a 16- to 17-day schedule, allowing for additional rest days and greater overall scheduling flexibility. Certain preliminary and qualifying rounds for some sports have already begun at these Olympic Games such as curling, figure skating and hockey.

The Opening Ceremony will feature a variety of performers and cultural displays. Mariah Carey will headline the ceremony, setting the emotional tone for the Games, alongside renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Additional performers include:

Pierfrancesco Favino, an Italian actor seeking to tell a story of harmony that will go down in history.
Sabrina Impacciatore, an Italian actress contributing to the creative elements of the ceremony while showcasing Italy’s culture and traditions.
Laura Pausini, a Grammy-winning Italian singer.
Lang Lang, a world-renowned pianist.
Cecilia Bartoli, an Italian mezzo-soprano performing alongside Lang Lang.
Ghali, an Italian-Tunisian rapper known for hits such as “Pizza Kebab.”

Along with the performers, several celebrities are expected to attend the Opening Ceremony, including NBC’s Snoop Dogg, Tom Cruise and Shaun White.

Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca will serve as flagbearers at the Opening Ceremony. They were selected through a vote by their fellow Team USA athletes.

“Being chosen by their fellow athletes is a powerful reflection of the respect they’ve earned through their leadership, commitment, and the way they represent Team USA every day,” U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said. “Erin and Frank embody the values of excellence and unity that define our Olympic Team, and we’re proud to have them lead Team USA onto the world stage.”

Jackson won gold at the 2022 Beijing Games in the women’s 500 meters. “It’s a really big honor and I’m super grateful, especially being chosen by my teammates,” Jackson said during a Team USA press conference after learning she would serve as a flagbearer.

Del Duca is an Army sergeant of Italian descent stationed in Lake Placid, New York. 

“Being flagbearer for Team USA is an incredible honor,” Del Duca told the Today show. “It was also quite the surprise. I'm grateful for the support from my teammates, coaches and staff, Team USA, U.S. Army WCAP, family and friends, and everyone who has helped me on this journey."