Thirty-five countries will compete in Eurovision 2026 taking place in Vienna, Austria on May 12, 14, and 16 – the fewest in recent years.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has officially revealed the list of participating countries for Eurovision 2026, totaling only 35 – the lowest in many years. While Israel is officially confirmed to take part following a vote at the general assembly, five major national broadcasters — Spain (RTVE), the Netherlands (AVROTROS), Ireland (RTÉ), Slovenia (RTVSLO) and Iceland (RÚV) — followed through on earlier warnings and announced their withdrawal from the contest.
List of participating countries
- Austria (Host)
- Australia
- Ukraine
- Azerbaijan
- Italy
- Albania
- Estonia
- Armenia
- Bulgaria
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
- Georgia
- Germany
- Denmark
- Greece
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Malta
- Norway
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Poland
- Portugal
- Finland
- Czechia
- France
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Romania
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Unprecedented wave of withdrawals
This official announcement exposes growing fractures within the EBU. Although Israel’s entry was confirmed through a democratic vote, a bloc of opposing countries chose to take drastic action. The Spanish national broadcaster, leading this protest, announced its withdrawal and accused the organization of “surrendering to political interests.” Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands soon followed. The Dutch decision also reflected ongoing tensions since the disqualification of Joost Klein in 2024.
Returning participants: signs of hope
Amid the chaos, there are glimmers of positivity. Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania are set to return after several years of absence, preventing the lineup from shrinking even further.
Absent nations and outlook
Countries which will not participate in Eurovision 2026 include Turkey, which last competed in 2012; Bosnia and Herzegovina, which last participated in 2016; Hungary, which last competed in 2019; and Russia and Belarus, which have been suspended from the EBU and have not participated since 2021 (Belarus) and 2022 (Russia). Despite reports of advanced talks, Canada’s participation does not appear on the final list for 2026.
Budget and organization remain stable
The total of 35 participants matches the EBU’s forecasts. Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Green noted last week that “five broadcasters may withdraw.” Despite the turbulence, the EBU emphasized that production budgets and membership fees remain unchanged, ensuring the contest in Vienna proceeds as planned and fully funded.
Number of participating countries since 2010
- 2026 – 35 countries
- 2025 – 37 countries
- 2024 – 37 countries
- 2023 – 37 countries
- 2022 – 40 countries
- 2021 – 39 countries
- 2020 – 41 planned (cancelled)
- 2019 – 41 countries
- 2018 – 43 countries
- 2017 – 42 countries
- 2016 – 42 countries
- 2015 – 40 countries
- 2014 – 37 countries
- 2013 – 39 countries
- 2012 – 42 countries
- 2011 – 43 countries
- 2010 – 39 countries
Dates of official announcements:
Here is a list of the dates when the official lists of participating countries were announced for previous years:
- Eurovision 2026 – December 15, 2025
- Eurovision 2025 – December 12, 2024
- Eurovision 2024 – December 5, 2023
- Eurovision 2023 – October 20, 2022
- Eurovision 2022 – October 20, 2021
- Eurovision 2021 – October 26, 2020
- Eurovision 2020 – November 13, 2019
- Eurovision 2019 – November 7, 2018
- Eurovision 2018 – November 17, 2017
- Eurovision 2017 – October 31, 2016
- Eurovision 2016 – November 26, 2015
Eurovision 2026: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Austria, following the country’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love” performed by JJ. This will be the third time the contest is hosted in Austria, after 1967 and 2015.
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Noy Yehoyada is an Israeli journalist and content creator at the EuroMix team since 2024, bringing a personal, feminine, and LGBTQ+ voice into the Eurovision sphere. A devoted Eurovision fan since the age of 16, she plays an active role in covering the contest—including on-site reporting at Eurovision 2025 in Basel and across European pre-party events. Alongside her writing and commentary, Noy plans the editorial schedule for the website, closely tracks national selections and song reveals, participates in live broadcasts, and creates digital content focusing on representation, musical diversity, and emotional connections.
Beyond her work at EuroMix, Noy has over six years of experience in the cosmetics and pharma industries, with a background in sales, personal consulting, and managing beauty departments. She enjoys pop, rap, contemporary art, and traveling in Europe—and especially loves songs that make her want to dance, as well as those that tell a story.
