Today, the EBU confirmed that 35 countries will take part in Eurovision 2026, in Vienna, two less than last year. This also confirms the previous withdrawals and returns that were reported on these last few weeks.
The list of 35 participants
The 35 countries participating next year are, along with their broadcaster:
- Albania (RTSH)
- Armenia (ARMTV)
- Australia (SBS)
- Austria (ORF) – host
- Azerbaijan (Ictimai)
- Belgium (RTBF)
- Bulgaria (BNT)
- Croatia (HRT)
- Cyprus (CyBC)
- Czech Republic (ČT)
- Denmark (DR)
- Estonia (ERR)
- Finland (YLE)
- France (France Télévisions)
- Georgia (GPB)
- Germany (ARD/SWR)
- Greece (ERT)
- Israel (IPBC/KAN)
- Italy (RAI)
- Latvia (LSM)
- Lithuania (LRT)
- Luxembourg (RTL)
- Malta (PBS)
- Moldova (TRM)
- Montenegro (RTCG)
- Norway (NRK)
- Poland (TVP)
- Portugal (RTP)
- Romania (TVR)
- San Marino (SMRTV)
- Serbia (RTS)
- Sweden (SVT)
- Switzerland (SRG/SSR)
- Ukraine (Suspilne)
- United Kingdom (BBC)
This confirms the returns of three countries, Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania, as well as the withdrawals of five countries, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and The Netherlands. It also confirms that there will be no new participation or returns, despite rumours about Monaco, Kazakhstan or Canada.
Return of the Big Four & smaller semi-finals
This marks the lowest number of participants since the introduction of the semi-final in 2004, when 36 countries competed. With the absence of Spain, the EBU has confirmed that only the four remaining members of the Big Five (which could technically be called the Big Four this year) will automatically qualify to the final, along with the host country, Austria.
The EBU also confirmed that both semi-finals will have 15 countries competing for 10 spots each. The semi-final allocation draw will take place on 12 January, the day before the opening of ticket sales.
Despite these low numbers (also the lowest number for an anniversary edition since the 1990’s), the leaders of the EBU Eurovision team had a positive outlook on the coming year:
As we prepare to celebrate 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest it remains a place where voices, cultures, languages and music are woven together. Where people from many backgrounds can show that in a difficult world a better one is possible. We are thrilled to welcome back BNT (Bulgaria), TVR (Romania) and TRM (Moldova) who join 32 other public broadcasters for Vienna 2026. Their return is a vivid reminder of the enduring power of the Eurovision Song Contest, and of what it truly means to be United by Music.
Martin GreeN cBE, dIRECTOR OF THE eUROVISION sONG cONTEST
How do you feel about this announcement? Did you expect other changes in the line-up? Tell us more in the comments below or on social media!
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