A Packed Curling Schedule Takes Center Stage
The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will showcase curling in a way that’s never been seen before. With a busy, 19-day schedule, the sport will feature a prominent role throughout the Games, offering fans nearly three weeks of near-continuous action. The curling competition will actually kick off before the Opening Ceremony on February 4, 2026—two days ahead of the official start of the Games. This early start ensures ample time for the expanded Winter Olympic program, which now includes more disciplines such as Mixed Doubles curling.
A New Pre-Opening Ceremony Start
For the first time in Olympic history, curling will begin before the Olympic flame is lit. On Day -2, which is February 4, the Mixed Doubles event will get underway with its opening draw. This early start sets the stage for a thrilling competition and marks a unique moment in the Games. Italy, the defending champions in this event after their win at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, will certainly be one of the teams to watch as they defend their title.
The Mixed Doubles tournament will span several days, continuing through the Opening Ceremony on February 6, and culminate with the medal matches on February 10. This extended run allows the event to receive significant attention, with a rich storyline unfolding from the very beginning.
Men’s and Women’s Team Events
After the conclusion of the Mixed Doubles, the focus will shift to the Men’s and Women’s Team (four-player) curling competitions, which are set to begin on February 11. These events, which will feature some of the sport's top nations battling it out for Olympic glory, will take over the schedule from February 12 to 18. The curling competition will be intense, with multiple draws each day, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
As the round-robin portion wraps up, February 19 will feature the final games for both the Men’s and Women’s teams, followed by the Men’s semifinals in the evening. These crucial matches will set the stage for the high-stakes battles that follow. Fans can expect exciting finishes, as teams vie for a spot in the final stages.
A Thrilling Finale
The curling tournament will come to a dramatic conclusion on February 22, the final day of the Olympics. The Women’s Gold Medal game will be one of only four events held that day, putting curling at the center of the Olympic finale. It will share the spotlight with major events like the Men’s Hockey final and the Women’s Cross Country Mass Start, ensuring that curling plays a key role in wrapping up the Games.
Curling’s Prominent Place in the 2026 Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics will solidify curling’s standing as one of the Games' premier sports, with an extensive presence that lasts almost the entire duration of the event. From the early Mixed Doubles games to the final Women’s Gold Medal match, curling will provide fans with thrilling, high-energy competition across 19 days.
This schedule format, successfully used at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, maximizes the sport’s global visibility. The timing, however, will present a challenge for North American fans, with the six-hour time difference to Eastern Time and nine-hour gap to Pacific Time. Nevertheless, the structure of the curling events ensures the sport will receive widespread attention, as broadcasters cater to the international audience.
A "Fantastico" Experience
For curling enthusiasts, the 2026 Games promise to deliver an unforgettable experience. With an exciting mix of events, including the Mixed Doubles tournament, Men’s and Women’s team competitions, and the final medal matches, the Milano-Cortina Olympics will showcase the best of curling. For the athletes, the expanded program offers more opportunities to compete at the highest level, while the extended schedule ensures the sport remains in the spotlight throughout the Games.
With its near-constant presence on the Olympic calendar, curling will serve as the "backbone" of the 2026 Winter Olympics, captivating fans from around the world with thrilling action and unforgettable moments.
