Eurovision 2026 could see 41 countries compete in Vienna, making it the largest edition since 2019. Ongoing debates, returns, and possible withdrawals are shaping the final lineup.
French Head of Delegation Alexandra Redde-Amiel stated in an interview that Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, could feature 41 participating countries. If confirmed, it would be the largest contest since Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv. However, it’s important to note that this number is not final, as the debate over Israel’s participation remains unresolved, with several countries threatening to withdraw while others are set to return.
Withdrawals and Returns: Who Will Join Eurovision 2026?
Israel sits at the center of controversy, and its participation could influence the presence or absence of other countries. Four countries — Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands — have threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. The Netherlands has taken a particularly hard stance, declaring it would not compete alongside Israel even in the event of a full ceasefire in Gaza. Iceland has also issued a warning but stopped short of a formal announcement, while Belgium is awaiting the final decision on Israel’s participation before confirming its own.
A ceasefire agreement could bring changes. Spain and Ireland have not commented on Israel’s Eurovision involvement since the Gaza ceasefire was signed. Slovenia continues its opposition but is less definitive than the Netherlands regarding an official withdrawal. With tentative developments, an anti-Israel boycott for Eurovision 2026 may result in only one or two actual withdrawals.
Balancing out possible exits are several returning countries: Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova are set to compete, and all are considered free of anti-Israel sentiment, making their participation likely regardless of any boycott. North Macedonia has yet to formally confirm its plans for the contest, leaving its status uncertain. Notably, Canada and Kazakhstan are reportedly negotiating their first-ever appearances at Eurovision. If both join, even one or two withdrawals would not prevent the contest from reaching or approaching the projected 41 participating nations.
December 10th: The date for the final country list?
Last year, December 10th was the date chosen by the EBU to formally announce updates to the competition’s regulations following their discussion at the General Assembly held on December 5th, 2024. At that time, new guidelines were introduced under the aim of “celebrating community and ensuring well-being”. Among these, the EBU introduced an updated code of conduct requiring all parties to actively prevent harm to artists and ensure a safe space environment. It was also announced that filming zones would be restricted and that performers would have more opportunities for closed rehearsals.
According to a recent report from ORF, it appears that once again this year the EBU will use this date – December 10th – to release the conclusions of the assembly held on December 4th–5th, including the final list of countries competing in Eurovision 2026, following the final decision on Israel’s participation.
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria, following the country’s victory at Eurovision 2025 with the song “Wasted Love” performed by JJ. The competition will be held at the Wiener Stadthalle, the largest indoor arena in Austria. The semifinals are scheduled for May 12th and 14th, and the grand final will take place on May 16th. This will be the third time Vienna hosts the Eurovision Song Contest, having previously hosted it in 1967 and 2015.
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Ofek Jerassi is an Israeli reporter, editor, content creator, and commentator, specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has developed his extensive expertise since childhood, becoming a close follower of the contest. For the past three years, he has served as a writer and editor for EuroMix—Israel’s largest Eurovision website and one of the world’s leading platforms in the field, with over 1.5 million users annually.
Ofek covered Eurovision 2025 on-site in Basel from the press center in the host city, providing EuroMix readers with firsthand experiences, professional analysis, and exclusive reactions from the audience, artists, and experts. His in-depth knowledge and broad familiarity with the Eurovision world are evident in every article, ensuring reliable, professional, and up-to-date content.
In his personal life, Ofek is a medic and avid traveler. He writes out of a genuine love for Eurovision, placing strong emphasis on credibility, professional commentary, and presenting a diverse range of opinions.
