Figure skating team event at Winter Olympics 2026: When does it start, top athletes and how to watch
It’s USA vs Japan. Again.
The figure skating competition will unfold at Milano Cortina 2026 on Friday, February 6th, with the team event that will pit these two powerhouses for the first medal of the Olympic Winter Games. The U.S. and Japan occupied the top two places on the podium at Beijing 2022 and were also first and second at last year’s ISU World Team Trophy.
This rivalry spills over to Italy this week, with two strong contenders and eight other teams vying for medals over eight programs in just three days. Besides the USA and Japan, the other qualified teams include hosts Italy, Canada, Georgia, France, Great Britain, the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China, and Poland.
The depth of the USA and Japan, the reigning gold and silver medalists, is deeply impressive, especially in singles. At the Grand Prix Final in December, Ilia Malinin, Kagiyama Yuma, and Sato Shun ranked as the top three men’s skaters, while the women’s competition is no less fierce. The U.S. has talented skaters like World and GP Final champion Alysa Liu, three-time national champion Amber Glenn, and up-and-coming skater Isabeau Levito. Japan counters with a trio featuring three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori, rising star Nakai Ami, and Chiba Mone.
The key differentiator could emerge in pairs and ice dance. Japan hopes to capture their first-ever couples medal in pairs by relying on world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi. Meanwhile, the USA’s triple world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates are set on securing their elusive first ice dance gold medal.
Full Schedule of Figure Skating Team Event at Milano Cortina 2026
All times are in CET (UTC+1)
February 6: 9:55 AM – Ice dance rhythm dance
February 6: 11:35 AM – Pairs short program
February 6: 1:35 PM – Women’s short program
February 7: 7:45 PM – Men’s short program
February 7: 10:05 PM – Ice dance free dance
February 8: 7:30 PM – Pairs free skating
February 8: 8:45 PM – Women’s free skating
February 8: 9:55 PM – Men’s free skating
How to Watch Figure Skating Live at Milano Cortina 2026
The Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina can be watched across various platforms, both traditional and streaming. Major media rights holders will ensure viewers do not miss a moment. Options include NBC Olympics and Peacock in the USA, CBC in Canada, and multiple broadcasters representing different countries worldwide.
Don’t miss the drama and athleticism as Milano Cortina 2026 showcases the pinnacle of figure skating talent!
