JD Vance & Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026

Right now, the inauguration of the Winter Olympics is taking place in Milan and Cortina. The Olympic flame is lit by Italian skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni. For the first time, the inauguration will take place in several places at the same time, including in Milan at the Arco della Pace and in Cortina d’Ampezzo at Piazza Dibona.

It’s time for the countries to enter the San Siro. First up is Greece, then it happens in alphabetical order according to how the host country names the countries. When it is Israel’s turn, cries are heard, TT and Expressen write.

At 22:00 it is Sweden’s turn. Sweden’s standard bearers are alpine skier Sara Hector and humpback skier Walter Wallberg.

– It went well, it was awesome. I give myself five plus, says Walter Wallberg to Aftonbladet.

When the US marches in, Vice President JD Vance is seen in the picture and is booed.

– Was it the longest flag parade of all time? asks SVT’s Anja Pärson after all countries have entered.

Before that, Mariah Carey has performed, fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died last September, has been paid tribute and the Italian national anthem has been sung. The show has been a high-tempo tribute to Italian culture and history, writes the New York Times.

SVT broadcasts the inauguration, which can also be followed via live reporting in the links below.