When does each country march during the 2026 Winter Olympics’ Opening Ceremony?

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Language plays a huge role in which countries march first during the celebration. Here’s why.

MILAN, Italy — It’s as iconic as the Olympic rings and the lighting of the cauldron. The Parade of Nations during the Winter Olympics’ Opening Ceremony acts as an introduction for every country leading into the two weeks of competition at the highest level.

Many of the athletes competing in the Games will march behind their respective nations’ flags during the Parade of Nations on Friday. Representatives from 92 nations will be taking part in the celebration.

This year, the Opening Ceremony will also be spread over multiple locations, with athlete parades held simultaneously in Milan, Cortina, Livigno and Val di Fiemme. There will be two cauldrons lit, one in Milan and another in Cortina.

The order of each country generally depends on where their names appear in the alphabet of the host nation, in this case, Italian.

When will US appear in Parade of Nations for 2026 Opening Ceremony?

Greece traditionally leads the parade, regardless of its place in the alphabet, because that is where the Olympics originated. The host country enters last.

The International Olympic Committee in 2020 created a new rule so the hosts of the upcoming Games enter right before the host nation, no matter where they appear in the host country’s alphabet.

Because the United States is hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, our athletes won’t appear in the Parade of Nations until closer to the end.