Confirmed: 35 countries will take part in Eurovision 2026
The 35 participating countries at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria have just been confirmed by the EBU
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), has just announced the 35 countries which will compete at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
This marks the lowest number of participants in Eurovision since the introduction of the Semi-finals in 2004.
The EBU Member Broadcasters, on behalf of their countries, had until mid-December 2025 to formally submit their applications to take part in Eurovision 2026.
Five of the 35 countries are prequalified for the Grand Final to be held on 16 May 2026: The Big-4 (France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom) and host (Austria). The remaining semifinalist countries will be competing in one of the two Semi-finals to be held on 12 and 14 May 2026. The Semi-final draw will take place on 12 January 2026.
The 35 participating countries
Changes from Eurovision 2025
WELCOME BACK
3 countries didn't participate in Eurovision 2025, but will be back for Eurovision 2026:
OUT
5 countries from Eurovision 2025 will not participate in Eurovision 2026:
Five broadcasters withdraw from Eurovision
Following the General Assembly in the beginning of December 2025, five broadcasters announced their withdrawal from Eurovision 2026:
Iceland
Iceland (RÚV) announced that they will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to Israel’s participation. The announcement came almost a week after the General Assembly.
– It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reaction to the EBU's decision made last week that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RÚV's participation in Eurovision. It is therefore RÚV's decision to inform the EBU today that RÚV will not participate in Eurovision next year.
Ireland
Ireland (RTÉ) feels that Ireland’s participation in Eurovision 2026 would be "unconscionable" given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza — including civilian casualties and threats to press freedom — and therefore RTÉ will boycott the contest if Israel is allowed to participate.
Netherlands
The Netherlands (Avrotros) withdraws from Eurovision 2026, stating that the current circumstances conflict with its core public values. The decision follows concerns over the situation in Gaza, press freedom and political interference in last year’s contest.
Slovenia
Slovenia (RTVSLO) stated that Slovenia's participation in Eurovision 2026 under the current circumstances is no longer possible. The broadcaster emphasised that the situation surrounding Israel’s participation, together with the broader context and events linked to the recent editions of Eurovision, is incompatible with the values it upholds.
Spain
Spain (RTVE) withdraws from Eurovision 2026 because it considers Israel’s continued participation incompatible with its core values and objects to the conflict in Gaza, political interference and the undermining of the contest’s neutrality. The broadcaster also confirmed it will not air the contest next year if it does not participate.
Who's in which Semi-final?
Austria and the Big-4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom) are pre-qualified for the Grand Final. The other countries will be allocated to one of two Semi-finals. The Semi-final draw will be made on 12 January 2026.
