Why did the IOC prefer Italy to Sweden for 2026 Winter Games?

The International Olympic Committee voted 47 to 34 to award the 2026 Olympic hosting bid to Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo over first-time Stockholm, Sweden. But was it the right decision?

The International Olympic Committee delegates voted 47-34 in favor of the joint Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo to host the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The classic, traditional Alpine country was chosen over the forward-thinking Stockholm, Sweden.

But imagining the closing ceremony taking place at such a historic, breathtaking venue as the Arena di Verona, it’s difficult to argue against it.

"“Congratulations to Milan-Cortina,” said International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach in the statement released after the decision. Bach also abstained from the vote. “We can look forward to outstanding and sustainable Olympic Winter Games in a traditional winter sports country.”“The passion and knowledge of Italian fans, together with experienced venue operators, will create the perfect atmosphere for the best athletes in the world. The Olympic Winter Games Milan-Cortina 2026 will feature iconic venues and beautiful settings, combining the attractions of a modern European metropolis with a classic Alpine environment,” he added."

Italy’s Winter Games past tradition seemed to come into play as well. Torino hosted the 2006 Games. Milan’s partner city, Cortina, has played host before, with its Alpine ski resort the backdrop for the 1956 Games.

Sweden embarked upon a impassioned campaign that highlighted its sustainable platform. Stockholm partnered with the Baltic town of Sigulda, Latvia to share the hosting responsibilities, in lieu of building an ice sliding sports venue. Going with a multination bid was in line with recommendations made by the IOC.

Swedish IOC board member, Gunilla Lindberg, highlighted her country’s new, innovative, fiscally prudent approach. The impassioned plea even included the Stockholm mayor breaking out in an Abba lyric from “Dancing Queen” at one point. Despite these efforts at presenting a passionate, cost-saving front, the IOC was still unsure of Stockholm’s ability to financially inact the Olympic village and asked for further guarantees, to which Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven assuaged concerns, explaining “it’s in the Swedish model, it’s in our DNA” to produce a fiscally prudent, efficient model.

Sweden’s Åre Alpine region had even hosted this year’s World Ski Championships.

However, it came down to the local support of the surrounding areas for both locations. The Italian bid included not only Milan and the ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, but most persuasively, the regional support that united the landscape from the surrounding towns. The IOC polled the local residents from both bids and concluded that the 85% support from the Italian region over Sweden’s 60% made all the difference.

"“Our bid is worthy of the highest consideration,” Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said during his country’s bid to the IOC. “If Italy is chosen, then work will start from this evening so that our Games leave a mark on history.“This is the dream of an entire country, and not only the government but also the regions.”"

The biggest concern is whether the country can weather the costs in a debt-ridden economy. The IOC will kick in $925 million of the Winter Games’ operating evaluation, up to $1.7 billion.

Still, since Italy has hosted before, the IOC figures that the country can produce results again.

The next Summer Olympics will take place in Tokyo next year.