Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance were spotted at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night in Milan, Italy.

The anticipation is palpable as the Games kick off in Milan, with San Siro Stadium sold out and President Sergio Mattarella making a surprise appearance. This article delves into the significance of these events, the atmosphere surrounding the games, and the unexpected role of the President in this vibrant celebration of sports.

At Friday's opening of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Italy offered a more prosaic arrival: a video showing President Sergio Mattarella travelling to Milan's San Siro stadium aboard one of the city's most distinctive symbols – a Carrelli tram.

ABU DHABI, 28th January, 2026 (WAM) -- President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today held talks with His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, to discuss opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation and the UAE-Italy strategic partnership in line with their shared commitment to promoting prosperity and development for both nations and peoples.

Mariah Carey took center stage to help kick off the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony at 100-year-old San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy.

Before the event, protesters marched in Milan in opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whose personnel are in Italy to advise local officials in securing the Winter Games.