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.

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where the curling events will open ahead of the opening ceremony.

From Heated Rivalry stars to the event’s iconic venues, here’s what you should be looking out for at the Winter Olympics 2026 opening and closing ceremonies.

The Winter Olympics bring hundreds of the world's best winter athletes to northern Italy, where they will face off in 16 different sports across 2 1/2 weeks. Here's how to follow along.

Officials briefly paused the matches at the historic curling stadium when the lights dimmed and flickered. Curlers kept sliding on the ice to stay ready. Fans cheered when the bright lights came back shortly after and competition resumed. Venue officials said they were investigating and had no immediate word on what caused the problem.

The rapper brought signature energy to the historic tradition as anticipation builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Legendary rapper Snoop

Princess Anne and Monaco’s Prince Albert were seen at an IOC session in Milan as royals and foreign dignitaries begin arriving in Italy ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Italy's Interior Ministry said ICE staffers would work only in U.S. diplomatic offices, such as the Milan consulate, and “not on the ground.”