Greece's Olympic Team looks to skier Alexandros Ioannis Ginnis for its first medal in the Winter Games starting in the Italian Alps

Here's what to know about the Parade of Nations in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and how the country order is determined.

It has nothing to do with alphabetical order.

Davidson College Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics Allison Smith examines the "distant echoes" of the original Olympic Games and how they compare to the modern global competition. The discussion explores the evolution of the games from a sacred religious sanctuary at Olympia to today's "moving circus" of international host cities.

From the Games’ Greek origins to their first foray into Asia, the Olympics are known for bringing nations from all around the world together to celebrate the very best in athletics.

The Olympics opening ceremony features the Parade of Nations in a very specific order, starting with Greece.

The Olympic anthem, first performed at the 1896 Athens Games, was featured at the 2026 Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony. Here’s the history behind the song. (AP photo)