Winter Games 2026/IOC: Public support made the difference - Bach Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo is named as hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Monday, beating off a bid from Stockholm-Are in Sweden, giving Italy the showpiece event for the third time. "Public support often goes hand in hand with political support and this was maybe also the reason why the city of Stockholm was not ready to sign the host-city contract", says IOC president Thomas Bach. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES