IOC approves six qualification systems and optimises IF delegation sizes for Milano Cortina 2026

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the qualification systems for cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, luge, Nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboard at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The IOC EB also confirmed a reduction in International Federation (IF) delegation sizes for the Games, to improve organisational efficiencies and reduce costs.

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© IOC/Greg Martin

IF delegations optimised

The IOC EB approved a reduction in the overall size of IF delegations at Milano Cortina 2026, including IF Delegates and International Technical Officials.

Thanks to the excellent cooperation of the eight IFs that are responsible for the delivery of the sports at Milano Cortina 2026, it has been possible to significantly decrease the total quota places compared to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, despite the presence of ski mountaineering as an additional sport on the Milano Cortina 2026 Games programme.

This is the result of a process carried out in close collaboration with the eight IFs to streamline the numbers of on-site participants, by identifying opportunities for optimising roles, improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs.

Informed by Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and The New Norm, Games optimisation is a key principle guiding the organisation of Milano Cortina 2026 and all other future editions of the Olympic Games.

Qualification systems approved

The IOC EB also confirmed the qualification systems for six disciplines. In line with the Olympic Charter, the details of the qualification pathways were proposed to the IOC by the respective IFs: the International Luge Federation (FIL) for luge and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) for cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboard.

Overall, the proposed qualification systems are the same as for Beijing 2022. The ski jumping and snowboard quota places have however been revised to ensure gender equality.

Approval of these six qualification systems follows the previous approval of the qualification systems for ice hockey in March 2023; biathlon, curling, figure skating and ski mountaineering in June 2023; and short track speed skating, revised in September 2023 following initial approval in June. All qualification systems are aligned with the Qualification System Principles, approved by the IOC EB in September 2022, which secure universal representation within and equal access to qualification events.

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026. A total of 2,900 athletes will compete across eight sports, 16 disciplines and 116 medal events. Milano Cortina 2026 will be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games to date, with 47 per cent female participation across all events.