How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics from Anywhere

The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22, 2026. Whether you’re in a country with full coverage or traveling somewhere with limited access, there are simple ways to stream every event from the opening ceremony to the final run down the slopes.

And yes, with the right setup (and a solid VPN), you can unlock the best streams from anywhere in the world including some that are completely free.

Best VPNs for Watching the Olympics (2026-Ready)

Before we dive into regional broadcasters and how geo-blocks work, here’s a quick shortlist of the top VPNs that I’ve tested myself for streaming events like the Olympics without buffering or annoying errors.

These VPNs let you change your IP address to match the country where a specific broadcaster is available — which is how you’ll unlock official Olympic streams no matter where you actually are.

Where to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics by Country

The Olympics are a global event, but streaming rights are still regional, which means some countries have better (or even free) access to live coverage. Here’s how it breaks down:

United States

• NBCUniversal owns exclusive US rights.
• Watch on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, CNBC, and NBCOlympics.com
• Peacock will stream most events live (some free, most behind the paywall)

Watch from abroad:
Connect to a US VPN server, go to Peacock, and stream live. You might need a US payment method.

United Kingdom

• BBC iPlayer will have limited free highlights and coverage
• Full rights belong to TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), available via Discovery+

VPN Tip: Use a UK VPN server, access BBC iPlayer for free content or Discovery+ for full coverage (requires subscription)

Canada

• CBC/Radio-Canada is the official broadcaster
• Stream live events via CBC Gem, CBC Sports app, or Radio-Canada

From abroad: Connect to a Canada VPN server and stream for free on cbc.ca/gem

Australia

• Nine Network holds exclusive rights
• Live coverage via Stan Sport, plus recaps/highlights on 9Now

VPN Tip: Connect to an Australian server, access Stan Sport (subscription needed) or 9Now for some free content

Germany, France, Italy, Nordics (and rest of Europe)

In most European countries, Warner Bros. Discovery holds the broadcast rights, which includes:

• Eurosport (via cable or online)
• Discovery+ and in some regions HBO Max (includes full streaming coverage)

Some countries, like France (France Télévisions), Germany (ZDF/ARD), and Italy (RAI) may offer partial or full coverage for free on public broadcasters.

VPN Strategy:
Choose the country with the best coverage (e.g. France or Germany), connect via VPN, and stream from the national broadcaster’s platform.

Other Regions (Asia, Africa, Latin America)

Many countries will offer partial coverage on local sports networks, but in many cases your best bet is still Eurosport, Discovery+, or Peacock via VPN.

If your local broadcaster only airs limited events or no coverage at all, just pick one of the top countries from the list above, use a VPN, and stream like a local.

Step-by-Step: How to Stream the 2026 Olympics from Anywhere

Here’s how I’ve been watching geo-blocked sports events for years, and it’ll work perfectly for the 2026 Olympics too:

1. Choose a VPN 

2. Install the app on your device (PC, mac, phone, tablet, smart TV, router…)
3. Connect to a server in a country with the stream you want
4. Visit the broadcaster’s website or app (e.g. Peacock, CBC, BBC iPlayer)
5. Sign in or create an account
6. Start streaming!

Make sure you clear your browser cookies if you’re switching regions — this helps avoid detection from the streaming site.

Olympic Sports to Watch in 2026

The Winter Olympics in Italy will feature over 116 disciplines across 7 main sports, including:

• Alpine skiing
• Snowboarding
• Ice hockey
• Figure skating
• Speed skating
• Curling
• Bobsleigh and skeleton
• Ski jumping and Nordic combined
• Biathlon

With 16 days of non-stop action, you’ll want a reliable stream especially for fan-favorites like men’s ice hockey, women’s figure skating, or snowboard halfpipe.

Schedule and Time Zone Considerations

Italy is in Central European Time (CET), which is:

• 6 hours ahead of New York
• 1 hour ahead of the UK
• 9 hours behind Sydney

Make sure to check the official schedule (once published) and adjust your stream times accordingly. Most major broadcasters will offer replays or on-demand content, so even if you’re in a tricky time zone, you won’t miss out.

Bonus Tip: Save Money on Subscriptions with a VPN

Some Olympic streams are behind a paywall like Peacock in the US or Discovery+ in the UK but prices vary by country. Using a VPN, you can:

• Subscribe in a cheaper region (e.g. Discovery+ in Turkey or India)
• Pay less for the same service
• Access streams in your native language

Just make sure your payment method works in that region — some platforms accept PayPal or international cards.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Winter Olympics are going to be massive, and with the right setup, you’ll be able to stream everything live, without frustration or limits.

Don’t let geo-blocks or overpriced subscriptions stop you a good VPN makes all the difference.

FAQ

Petr

I'm Petr, and the online world has been my playground for more than 25 years. I've been working in IT since 2005, moving through development, project management, and eventually building my own services and online businesses. I create websites, launch projects, test new tools, figure out what actually works and what doesn’t, and share practical tips that save people time, money, and stress. I’ve also been actively investing since 2016. I enjoy digging into the markets, trying different platforms, and looking for long term opportunities that make real sense. For me, investing naturally fits into everything I already do online: analyzing, testing, learning, and optimizing. On this site, you’ll find straightforward articles, honest insights, and a bit of humor or irony here and there. When I’m not at the keyboard, I’m usually out on a bike trail or checking out a new golf course. And when I’m not doing that, I’m somewhere on the road with my wife and our two sons.

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