The Olympics closed out with spectacular performances, parades and speeches at the historic Verona Olympic Arena in Verona, Italy. Verona will host the Paralympic Games starting March 6, 2026.
The ceremony started with an opera, followed by the Parade of Nations. U.S. women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight and figure skater Evan Bates carried the U.S. flag. The Olympic flag was then passed on to France, the host of the 2030 Winter Games, with a reimagining of the French national anthem.
Following speeches by Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, and Giovanni Malagò, president of the organizing committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Olympic flames were extinguished in the two cauldrons in Milan and Cortina.
The evening ended with live performances by EDM artists Major Lazer, Verona native singer-songwriter Achille Lauro and a final “ciao” from the opera characters.
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Piero Cruciatti/Getty Images An artist performs during the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Verona Arena in Verona, northern Italy, on Feb. 22, 2026.
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Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Performers dance during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.
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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Flagbearers Luca Gandini, Rudolf Wieser, Marinella Canclini, Luca Moretti, Fabio Morandini, Sergio Longo, Luca Braga, and Bice Passera carry the Italian flag during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.
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Sarah Stier/Getty Images Flagbearers Evan Bates and Hilary Knight of Team United States wave the U.S. flag.
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Sarah Stier/Getty Images Athletes of Team United States participate in the athlete parade.
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Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Athletes of Team United States participate in the athlete parade.
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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Joan Thiele performs a song during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.
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Stefano Rellandini/Getty Images Japanese-Italian actress Jun Ichikawa performs as Madama Butterfly during the closing ceremony.
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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Lights beam as the Olympic rings are seen as Milan Cortina hands over the Olympics to the French Alps.
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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images The Olympic flag is lowered by the Italian Army Guard of Honor.
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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Kirsty Coventry, President of IOC, gives a speech during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.
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Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Gloria Campaner plays the piano during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.
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Maja Hitij/Getty Images The flame is extinguished from the Olympic Cauldron during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.
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Joosep Martinson/Getty Images Major Lazer closes out the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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