The 25th Winter Olympic Games officially kicked off in Milan-Cortina 2026 with ceremonies held across four locations: Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno. A total of 2,891 athletes from 92 countries are participating, including 14 Croatian athletes. The Croatian flag bearers during the opening ceremony were speed skater Valentina Aščić, who carried the flag at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, and biathlete Matija Legović in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Legović described the experience as a beautiful and memorable moment for his life.

However, the celebration was marred by controversy as the Israeli delegation faced strong boos upon entering the iconic San Siro stadium, an incident indicative of the ongoing political tensions associated with Israel. Additionally, US Vice President JD Vance also received a negative reception from the audience, reflecting broader sentiments related to political figures participating in international events.

The Winter Olympics will continue until February 22, showcasing a diverse range of competitors and fostering international unity, though the reception of certain delegations highlights the challenges of intertwining sports with global political issues. As the games progress, attention will likely remain on both the athletic performances and any further demonstrations that might occur in response to geopolitical tensions.