With the 2026 Winter Olympics almost underway, here’s exactly where the Games are being held and why they’re spread across numerous cities in Italy.

The Winter Games of Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo formally kicked off on Friday with the start of the opening ceremonies, where pledges of sportsmanship and peaceful international competition came against the backdrop of a fraying world order.

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games will take place over an 8,500 square miles in Northern Italy, creating a complex challenge for organizers and fans.

Miners Park on Main Street is hosting a Park City Olympics “living room,” a drop-in spot for residents and visitors to gather and watch the Games on a big screen.

At the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies on Friday, athletes will march in the traditional Parade of Nations at the San Siro stadium in Milan. But they will also be parading elsewhere in Italy, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo and Livigno. This geographically expansive Olympics will be just as spread out for the opening festivities.

Group stage games will be held in New York City, Nashville, St. Louis, San Diego, San Jose and Columbus, Ohio, before knockout games at the Rose Bowl.

Music City has been selected to host Olympic soccer matches in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway. Here's a look at the full schedule for every event at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, including how to watch.