How to watch Olympics opening ceremony for free: Live streams, schedule for 2026 Winter Games ceremonies

Global sports fans won't have to wait any longer, as the 2026 Winter Olympics have arrived and there's plenty of ways to watch the opening ceremony for free.

Whether you're a figure skating and curling fan or prefer skiing and snowboarding, the Milan Cortina Games will have plenty of highly anticipated events to tune in for. Before the action gets started though, the Olympic flame must be lit at the historic opening ceremony at the San Siro Stadium.

This opening ceremony will not just take place in Milan, but in multiple locations across northern Italy. Athletes at each competition venue will get the chance to participate in the proceedings, along with spectators and local communities along the way.

Make sure you're watching as history is made.

Here's how to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony for free, including streaming options and start time for the global event.

How to watch Olympics opening ceremony for free: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: NBC
• Live stream: DIRECTV

The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics will air live on NBC. Savannah Guthrie will host the ceremony alongside Terry Gannon, Shaun White and Mike Tirico, who will be tuning in from Santa Clara.

The event can also be streamed live on DIRECTV, which is offering a free trial.

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What time is the Olympics opening ceremony?

• Date: Friday, Feb. 6
• Time: 2 p.m. ET

NBC's coverage of the 2026 Opening Ceremony begins at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 6.

NBC's encore presentation of the Opening Ceremony is scheduled for primetime, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Olympics opening ceremony schedule 2026

Here's a look at the broadcast schedule for the opening ceremony.

*Encore Presentation

Order of countries at Olympic opening ceremony