The parade of nations is over!
It overran by 40 minutes, causing some very stressed organisers to flap quite a bit, but it’s finally done. What else does this opening ceremony have in store?
Lawrence Ostlere6 February 2026 21:16
JD Vance booed as US athletes arrive
Flo Clifford reports inside San Siro:
A largely positive reception for the US contingent – there are thousands of American fans in the stadium – but very definite boos and jeers for vice president JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, who the camera pans to waving American flags for a few brief seconds
Flo Clifford at San Siro6 February 2026 21:09
Winter Olympics – Opening Ceremony
The final three as this parade finally nears an end: USA, as the hosts of the 2034 Games in Salt Lake City; France, hosts of the 2030 Games in the Alps; and finally, Italy.
Lawrence Ostlere6 February 2026 21:09
Winter Olympics – Opening Ceremony
More from Flo Clifford at the San Siro, as we near the end of the alphabet:
The loudest cheer of the night so far comes as a deafening roar for Ukraine’s contingent as they walk into the stadium.
Flo Clifford at San Siro6 February 2026 21:04
Winter Olympics – Opening Ceremony
Here’s Team GB on the runway, led by ice dancers Brad Hall and Lilah Fear:
Lawrence Ostlere6 February 2026 20:54
Mexico bring huge cheers
Was this the loudest noise of the night? Here’s Flo Clifford in Milan:
There appear to be a lot of Mexicans in this house, judging by the size of that cheer
Flo Clifford at San Siro6 February 2026 20:44
Israeli athletes booed by some spectators
Israel’s flag-waving athletes were booed as they entered the stadium.
“There appears to be a security detail following closely behind the athletes,” reports Flo Clifford.
Lawrence Ostlere6 February 2026 20:34
Britain arrive at San Siro
Flo Clifford reports from San Siro:
Here come GB! 5’2″ Lilah Fear said she was nervous of holding the flag but seems to be coping just fine. All the athletes in each cluster look in high spirits – and Princess Anne and husband Tim Laurence are in the crowd waving.
Flo Clifford at San Siro6 February 2026 20:31
Winter Olympics – Opening Ceremony
This may be the best moment of the night so far, although that is perhaps a bit harsh on Mariah Carey:
Lawrence Ostlere6 February 2026 20:23
Parade of nations
Some images from this leisurely paced parade, which is still only on F (Finland)…
Lawrence Ostlere6 February 2026 20:17
