The 2026 Winter Olympics - officially known as the Milano Cortina Games - are underway, bringing together thousands of athletes from around the world in a celebration of winter sport, international unity and human achievement.
The Games officially run from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22, 2026, with early competition - including curling, hockey and snowboarding - beginning even before the Opening Ceremony in northern Italy.
When and Where to Watch
In the United States:
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Olympic competition, including opening and medal events, will be broadcast across NBC, USA Network, CNBC and made available online via Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and the NBC Sports apps. Streaming will let fans watch from phones, tablets and connected TVs.
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Some services offer free trials or promotional access, such as limited periods on Hulu+ Live TV or Peacock bundles that include Olympics content without a long‑term subscription.
In Europe and Around the World:
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Many regions have free‑to‑air coverage through public broadcasters under the European Broadcasting Union agreement, ensuring broad audience access.
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Local broadcast partners in Asia, Canada and other regions will share live coverage and highlights based on regional rights.
What to Know
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Opening Ceremony: Feb. 6 at Milan's San Siro Stadium, an event filled with pageantry, music and the parade of nations.
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Olympic competitions: Feb. 4-22, featuring 16 sports across 116 events, including traditional favorites like figure skating and skiing, plus new disciplines like ski mountaineering.
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Closing Ceremony: Feb. 22 in Verona, Italy - a celebration of the Games' spirit and international friendship.
Why It Matters
The Olympics are more than athletic contests - they're a global gathering of hope, perseverance and community. For many, watching athletes pursue excellence reminds us of the value of dedication, teamwork and unity across nations and cultures.
In a world that can feel divided, the Winter Games offer a unique moment of shared humanity. Whether cheering for a hometown favorite or marveling at historic firsts, millions around the world - including many Christian communities - find reasons to celebrate courage and grit, qualities deeply rooted in faith and community encouragement.
As followers of faith, we can appreciate not only the extraordinary athletic feats, but also the shared spirit of striving for one's best, the heartbreaks and triumphs that echo the challenges and victories of everyday life. In that sense, the Olympics offer more than competition - they reflect the beauty of perseverance and hope.
