So, Paris is in the rearview mirror. The Eiffel Tower beach volleyball court is gone, and you’re probably wondering: where is next olympics? It’s a valid question. The Olympic cycle is a relentless beast that keeps moving, and honestly, the lineup for the next decade is looking pretty wild. We aren't just looking at one city; we're looking at entire mountain ranges, sprawl-heavy American metropolises, and even the Australian winter.
The short answer? The very next one is in Italy.
Specifically, the 2026 Winter Games, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026. But if you’re a fan of the summer heat and the 100-meter dash, you’ve got a slightly longer wait. The 2028 Summer Olympics are heading back to the United States for the first time in over thirty years.
The Winter Return: Milano Cortina 2026
If you think the Olympics belong in a single city, Italy is about to prove you wrong.
Basically, the 2026 Winter Games are being split across two main hubs and a whole bunch of alpine valleys. Milan (the fashion capital) and Cortina d'Ampezzo (the posh ski resort) are the headliners. It starts on February 6, 2026, and runs through February 22.
This isn't Italy’s first rodeo. They hosted in Turin in 2006 and Cortina way back in 1956. But this time, it's bigger. They’re using the iconic San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony. If you follow European soccer, you know that place is a cathedral of sport. The closing ceremony? That’s happening in a literal Roman amphitheater—the Verona Arena.
One thing that's actually cool: Ski Mountaineering is making its debut. It’s basically climbing up a mountain on skis and then racing down. It’s exhausting just to watch, but it’s a nod to the authentic alpine culture of the region. Plus, the NHL players are finally coming back for the hockey tournament. Honestly, that’s the real win for most winter sports fans.
Where is Next Olympics for Summer Fans? LA28
After Italy, the world turns its eyes to California. Los Angeles 2028 (or LA28) is going to be massive. Mark your calendars for July 14, 2028.
L.A. is a city built for entertainment, so expect the production value to be through the roof. But there’s a weird twist. To save money and be "sustainable," they aren't building a bunch of new, useless stadiums that will crumble in ten years. They’re using what they have.
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SoFi Stadium, which is normally home to the Rams and Chargers, will be transformed into the largest swimming venue in Olympic history. Imagine a giant temporary pool inside a $5 billion NFL stadium. It's a bit ridiculous, but very L.A.
The Oklahoma Twist
Wait, here is something most people get wrong. Not all of the "L.A." Olympics will be in L.A. Because Southern California doesn't have a world-class canoe slalom course or enough softball stadiums to meet the specs, those events are moving to Oklahoma City.
Yeah, you read that right. 1,300 miles away.
It’s a controversial move for some purists, but it saves hundreds of millions of dollars. L.A. is trying to prove that the Olympics don't have to bankrupt a city. They’re also bringing back Cricket, Flag Football, and Lacrosse. Baseball and softball are returning too, which makes sense given the American host.
Looking Further: 2030 and 2032
If you're really planning ahead, the map is already filled out through the early 2030s. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has gotten much faster at picking hosts to avoid the last-minute panics of the past.
- 2030 Winter Olympics: The French Alps. This was a late-breaking decision in 2024. France did so well with Paris that the IOC basically said, "Do it again, but with snow." It’ll be spread across places like Nice (for ice sports) and the Savoie region for the skiing.
- 2032 Summer Olympics: Brisbane, Australia. The Games go back Down Under. Brisbane is the third Australian city to host after Melbourne and Sydney. Fun fact: because it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, the "Summer" Olympics will actually take place in late July and early August—which is technically Brisbane's winter. Don't worry, though; it’s usually a balmy 70 degrees (21°C) there that time of year.
- 2034 Winter Olympics: Salt Lake City-Utah. The U.S. gets another one. Salt Lake City did a great job in 2002, and most of those venues are still in top-tier shape. It’s one of the few places that actually made a profit and kept the "Olympic legacy" alive.
Why the Locations are Shifting
The "where is next olympics" question used to be answered by one city name. Now, it's regions.
The IOC is terrified of cities saying "no" to hosting because of the costs. To fix this, they’ve introduced the "New Norm." Basically, they don't want cities building "White Elephants"—those giant, expensive stadiums that sit empty after the athletes leave.
That’s why Italy is using two cities. That’s why L.A. is sending softball to Oklahoma. That’s why the French Alps bid covers an entire mountain range. It’s less about a single city showing off and more about using existing infrastructure to keep the Games alive.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re planning to attend any of these, here is the reality check:
- Tickets for 2026: Registration for the Milano Cortina ticket draws usually opens about 12-18 months in advance. We are currently in that window. If you want to see the opening ceremony at San Siro, you need to be watching the official Olympics.com portal like a hawk.
- Accommodations: For the Winter Games, don't stay in Milan if you want to see skiing. Stay in the mountain hubs like Bormio or Cortina. If you stay in Milan, you're looking at a 3-hour train or car ride to get to the slopes.
- The LA28 Strategy: L.A. traffic is a nightmare on a normal Tuesday. During the Olympics, it will be legendary. If you plan on going, look for housing near the "Sports Parks"—clusters like the Downtown Sports Park or the Long Beach Sports Park—to minimize travel.
The Olympics are changing. They are becoming more spread out, more focused on existing stadiums, and honestly, a bit more sensible. Whether you're heading to the Italian Alps or the sunny coast of Brisbane, the map is set.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your passport: If it expires before August 2026, renew it now to avoid the inevitable rush before the Italy Games.
- Create an account on Olympics.com: This is the only way to get legitimate first-access ticket alerts for Milano Cortina and LA28.
- Download the official App: The Milano Cortina 2026 app is already live and provides real-time updates on venue construction and event schedules.