Iceland may withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel competes

Iceland’s broadcaster RÚV has confirmed that the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna is uncertain. The broadcaster says the decision will depend on how the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) responds to Israel’s participation.

Stefán Eiríksson, RÚV’s Director General, told RÚV that the broadcaster has raised concerns with the EBU about both Israel’s public broadcaster and the Israeli government.

– We have serious doubts about the conduct of both the Israeli public broadcaster and the Israeli government when it comes to Eurovision, and we have expressed these concerns within the EBU, that the rules of the competition are being broken, Stefán Eiríksson said.

Although RÚV has not formally asked the EBU to exclude Israel, Eiríksson confirmed that Iceland could withdraw if nothing changes.

– I think it is likely that if there is no change in EBU’s position and it does not respond to these voices of concern coming from us, from Spain and Slovenia and others, then that will call for reactions from these broadcasters. But let’s just wait and see.

Söngvakeppnin preparations

Despite the uncertainty, RÚV is moving forward with their national selection contest, Söngvakeppnin 2026. Eiríksson stressed that Söngvakeppnin will be held as usual, but said that the winner may not travel to Vienna if the situation has not been resolved.

The deadline for broadcasters to submit their applications for Eurovision 2026 has been extended to mid-December, after the EBU’s General Assembly on 4–5 December, where Israel’s participation in the contest is expected to be discussed. After that, RÚV’s board will make the final decision on Iceland’s participation.

Iceland is not the only country considering its participation in Eurovision. Broadcasters in Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have already stated that they may also withdraw if Israel competes.

Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest

Iceland's debut in the Eurovision Song Contest was back in 1986, and they've participated 37 times since.

Their best results are two second-place finishes with Yohanna in 2009, and Selma in 1999. The country has finished last four times: 1989, 2001, 2018 and 2024.

Since the introduction of the Semi-finals in 2004, Iceland has qualified for the Grand Final 12 out of 21 times.

Iceland is the only Northern European country that has yet to win the Eurovision Song Contest.