US Favored in 2026 Olympic Figure Skating Team Event

The figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics begins Friday in Milan, Italy, pitting 10 nations against one another in a multisport competition that highlights the depth of international talent, with the United States positioned as the leading favorite in the absence of a Russian team.

Scheduled to start at 4 a.m. Eastern Time at the Forum di Milano, the event marks the opening of figure skating on the same day as the Games' opening ceremonies. Ten countries qualified based on results from the previous year's world championships and an Olympic qualifier last fall. Each team fields one skater or pair in four disciplines: men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance. The first round features short programs or rhythm dances, with the top five nations advancing to a second round of free skates or free dances to determine the medals. Points are awarded based on placements, rewarding consistency across disciplines.

The United States enters with a formidable lineup, including world champion Ilia Malinin in men's singles, known for his technical prowess and quadruple jumps; reigning world champion Alysa Liu and recent U.S. champion Amber Glenn in women's singles; and...