Milan Cortina 2026: Winter Olympics Conclude with Historic Handover to France
VERONA, 23 February 2026 – The XXV Olympic Winter Games officially drew to a close on Sunday evening in the historic setting of the Verona Arena. The ceremony, which blended ancient Roman architecture with modern Italian artistry, celebrated sixteen days of competition before formally passing the Olympic flag to France, the host of the 2030 Winter Games.
A Night of Tradition and Triumph in Verona
Departing from the traditional stadium setting, the closing ceremony took place within the iconic Roman amphitheatre in Verona. The event remained faithful to the Olympic protocol established by Pierre de Coubertin in 1920, featuring the parade of athletes, the entrance of the Greek flag, and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame.
The final day of competition saw a dramatic conclusion to the men’s ice hockey tournament, where the United States secured the gold medal against Canada. This victory brought the total medal count for Team USA to 33. Other highlights included the traditional medal ceremony for cross-country skiing, which, according to Olympic custom, takes place during the closing festivities to honour the endurance of the athletes.
The Handover: French Alps 2030
A pivotal moment for French spectators occurred during the “Antwerp Ceremony” segment. The Olympic flag was lowered and handed from the mayors of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo to Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who then entrusted it to the French delegation. This symbolic gesture marks the beginning of the four-year countdown to the 2030 Winter Olympics, which will be held in the French Alps.
The French segment of the show featured a rendition of La Marseillaise and appearances by prominent French winter athletes, signalling the transition from the “beauty in action” of Italy to the upcoming Alpine challenge in France.
Key Statistics: Milan Cortina 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Closing Ceremony Venue | Verona Arena (Verona, Italy) |
| Closing Date | 22 February 2026 |
| Final Gold Medal Event | Men’s Ice Hockey (USA vs Canada) |
| Next Winter Host | French Alps (2030) |
| Next Summer Host | Los Angeles (2028) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the ceremony held in Verona instead of Milan?
While Milan served as a primary hub for the Games, the organisers chose the Verona Arena—a world-famous Roman amphitheatre—to provide a historic and “authentically Italian” backdrop for the final celebration of the Winter Games.
What is the significance of the flag handover?
The handover ceremony is a formal protocol where the Olympic flag is passed to the representatives of the next host city or region. For 2026, this signified the official start of the French Alps 2030 Olympiad.
Which athletes were highlighted during the finale?
The ceremony celebrated numerous stars, including American hockey player Jack Hughes following his team’s gold medal win, and Chinese freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who concluded her Games with three medals, including her first gold of this edition.