2026 Winter Paralympics Live Streaming: How to watch the Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Paralympics in US - Date, Start Time, Venue, Channel and More

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is preparing to host the largest Winter Paralympics in history at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, with record participation expected in Milan and Cortina. The Games officially begin Friday with an opening ceremony, although several nations plan to boycott the event after the decision to allow Russia’s flag and national anthem back on the international stage, reported AP.

According to the IPC, a record 616 athletes from 56 countries will compete in 79 medal events across six sports. This surpasses the previous record set at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, where 564 athletes from 49 nations took part. Competitors will take part in six sports - Para-Alpine skiing, Para-biathlon, Para-cross-country skiing, Para-ice hockey, Para-snowboard and wheelchair curling.

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics will make history as the first Paralympic ceremony ever held at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event will take place at the Arena di Verona, also known as the Verona Olympic Arena. The historic arena was constructed between 30 and 50 CE, making it even older than the famous Colosseum in Rome.


HOW TO WATCH 2026 WINTER PARALYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY LIVE IN US

• Event: 2026 Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony
• Date: March 6, Friday
• Start Time: 1:30 PM ET
• Channel/Streaming: USA Network/Peacock

Among the participating countries is Iran, even as tensions remain high due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. Iran has named para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi as its flagbearer. However, he will not physically carry the flag during the ceremony. Instead, volunteers will hold the flags for all participating nations because many athletes cannot attend the ceremony in Verona due to travel logistics and training schedules.

The Milan Cortina Games also mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics. The first edition took place in Örnsköldsvik in 1976, when fewer than 200 athletes from 18 countries competed in just two sports.

Women’s participation has also reached a new milestone. The IPC confirmed that 160 female athletes will compete this year, 24 more than the previous record set at the 2022 Winter Paralympics.