The figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo has already begun and the early results have separated the contenders from the pretenders. After Day 1 of competition, the United States holds a slim lead in the standings, but the field remains tightly packed with Japan, Italy, and other top teams all within striking distance. Here, I break down the current odds to win this event and give you my Olympic figure skating team event prediction based on what we’ve seen so far and what I expect in the near future.
Olympic Figure Skating Team Event Betting Odds
- United States: −500
- Japan: +250
- Italy: +2000
- France: +8000
- Georgia: +10000
- Canada: +10000
Olympic Figure Skating Team Event Major Storylines
The United States, defending champions from the 2022 Games, began the competition as the team to beat and managed to carry that momentum into the short programs. Madison Chock and Evan Bates set the tone for Team USA with a rhythm dance performance that delivered maximum team points and placed the squad in a strong position early. Their score was one of the season’s best in ice dance, and it underlined how critical this discipline can be in a team format where every point counts.
Equally intriguing has been Japan’s performance, which has been consistently strong across the board. Kaori Sakamoto led in the women’s short program with a commanding score that narrowly edged out the U.S. entry and helped keep Japan firmly in the mix. Italy, buoyed by the enthusiasm of a home crowd and solid showings in key segments, rounds out the top three in the current standings and may benefit from a boost as the competition progresses into the free skate segments.
Another key storyline is the absence of Russia as a competing nation due to their continued ban, which has reshaped the competitive landscape and opened opportunities for other nations to push for medals. Historically a figure skating powerhouse, Russia’s absence has removed a perennial contender and gives teams like Japan and Italy additional chances to capitalize. The presence of individual neutral athletes in some disciplines adds an interesting subplot, though they do not factor into the team event medal chase.
The question from here will be whether the US can hold its nerve in the final stretch of this competition, or if Japan will find a way to catch up. It would be hard to envision the US faltering from here, but stranger things have certainly happened in the Olympics, given all the pressure on these athletes to perform on their sport’s biggest stage.
Olympic Figure Skating Team Event Medal Contenders
- United States – With top marks in ice dance and excellent performances from women’s and pairs segments, the U.S. enters the last phases of the event as the team to beat. Their roster’s strength across disciplines gives them a clear edge in the points race.
- Japan – A strong contender with stellar performances in the women’s and men’s short programs, Japan’s diverse roster has the firepower to challenge the U.S. if its skaters hit peak form in the free skates.
- Italy – A home crowd advantage could lift the Italian team, and their consistent scoring places them within striking distance of a medal if key contributors can deliver stress-free free skates.
- Canada – While further back in the early standings, Canada has the potential to climb if their top performers can outperform rivals in free skating segments and capitalize on their opportunities.
- France – A dark-horse entry with capable ice dancers and competitive singles skaters. A podium finish for the French would be a surprise but not outside the realm of possibility.
Olympic Figure Skating Team Event Betting Prediction
Pick:
Confidence: 4 out of 5
Final Thoughts
