Belgian national broadcaster RTBF has confirmed Belgium’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Austria. The selection method for Belgium’s 2026 representative has yet to be announced.
The Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster (serving the French-speaking community) RTBF has announced that Belgium will participate in Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Austria. Belgium is the 19th country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria.
The incoming Belgian Head of Delegation, Michael De Lil, informed the Polish Eurovision website ESCSpot yesterday (Monday) on behalf of the Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster that Belgium has confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 in Austria. As per Belgian tradition, it is RTBF’s turn to broadcast the contest.
Belgium’s Selection Process Remains Unclear
Belgium has not yet revealed how its Eurovision 2026 representative will be chosen, though all selection methods seem to face harsh criticism. When using a national selection process, Belgium failed to qualify for the Eurovision 2025 final with the song “Strobe Lights” performed by Red Sebastian. Similarly, with an internal selection, Belgium also failed to reach the final when Mustii’s party ended before it began with the song “Before The Party’s Over”.
Belgium’s Strobing Situation
Despite being one of the contest’s seven founding countries, Belgium is considered to face significant challenges in Eurovision. With 66 participations, Belgium has won only once. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sandra Kim’s only victory for Belgium, with the song “J’aime La Vie”. Belgium has finished in the top five just eight times – one first place, two second places, four fourth places, and one fifth place. Additionally, Belgium has finished between sixth and tenth place 16 times.
An official and final list of participating countries for Eurovision 2026 is expected to be published in October.
Belgium at Eurovision 2025:
“Strobe Lights” is the title of the song performed by Red Sebastian, who represented Belgium in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Belgium did not qualify for the grand final, marking the second consecutive year of non-qualification. Belgium finished 14th out of 15, earning only 23 points.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Belgium’s 67th participation in the contest. Belgium joined Eurovision in 1956 as one of its seven founding nations. The country’s best result came in 1986, when Sandra Kim won first place with “J’aime la vie”.
