Greenland Flag Appears at US-Denmark Hockey Match Amid Territorial Dispute

A Greenland flag appeared at the men's ice hockey match between the United States and Denmark at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, as tensions between the two countries continue following US President Donald Trump's remarks about annexing Greenland.

The US and Denmark faced off in their second Group C preliminary round match on February 14 at the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.

The US won 6-3, fielding star players from the National Hockey League (NHL). However, what drew more attention than the result was the Greenland flag that appeared during the match. A spectator waved the Greenland flag from the stands while cheering for Denmark.

Alexander Kalninsch, who traveled from Germany, told the Associated Press: "Greenland is decided by the people of Greenland, not by America. As Europeans, we have to stand together. I came to show solidarity with Greenland. We are Europeans, and I think Europeans should stand together."

As sports and politics became increasingly intertwined, some spectators argued the two should remain separate.

Dennis Petersen, who came to support Denmark, said: "Whatever the sport—ice hockey, tennis, bobsled, or football—sports has nothing to do with politics. The players are athletes, not politicians."

A Greenland flag had also appeared earlier at the biathlon venue.