There are 206 National Olympic Committees worldwide, which are devised by the IOC and the International Sport Federation. These two organizations are the sole authorities who come together to recognize NOCs for the official Summer and Winter Games.

From medals to mascots, schedules to slopes—here’s everything you need to know to be ready for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Even though the Olympics connect the global village, the Winter Games remain a distant dream for Africa, a continent where snow and ice are hard to find. Winter sports face high barriers from the start.

A list of every city to host the Winter Olympics.