Here's what to know about the Parade of Nations in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and how the country order is determined.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, mark a historic moment for the Games. Not only because Italy is hosting for the first time since Torino 2006, but because these Olympics will be taking place in multiple locations, with venues scattered across the Italian Alps and Dolomites.

Ninety-two nations will be present at the 25th edition of the Games, with nearly 3,000 athletes set to compete in 116 different events. However, not all countries will be represented at the major sporting event in Italy, as non-sporting action has once again led to certain countries being barred from competing.

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.

Hungary's perspective on speed skater Kim Min-seok, a medalist preparing for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics with Hungarian nationality, is colder than expected. While his Olympic participation remains possible, cautious assessments about his medal prospects are following.

In the last Olympics, the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, the U.S. went second-to-last as athletes paraded down the Seine River. The logic there was similar: Los Angeles is hosting the next summer Olympics in 2028.

Keep up with all the medals handed out during the 2026 Milano Cortina games.

The Winter Olympics promise plenty of high adrenaline, fierce competition, historic firsts and emotional moments over 2 1/2 weeks. Here are some of the names and narratives to keep an eye on.