Do you want to know which countries will shine on the Eurovision stage in 2026? All eyes will turn to Vienna. The contest will host both known acts and new stars. Fans can watch and guess the winners. They see many musical styles from Europe and nearby regions.
Here’s the full list of nations that will join Eurovision 2026. You also get key details about how the event is set up and what you will see.
The Host City and Event Overview
Eurovision 2026 takes place in Vienna, Austria. The city holds the event at the Wiener Stadthalle, a venue for more than 16,000 people. Austria has hosted the contest twice before. The host rights came after Austria won in 2025 with the song “Wasted Love” by JJ. The event runs on three dates:
- Semi-final 1: May 12, 2026
- Semi-final 2: May 14, 2026
- Grand Final: May 16, 2026
Outside the main hall, the Eurovision Village sits at Rathausplatz. It holds live shows, screenings, and fan events. In addition, the Vienna City Hall opens as the EuroClub for after-parties and private shows.
Understanding Participation Criteria
Each country takes part only if its national broadcaster is an active member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Broadcasters must show the live contest in their regions. Invitations come every year. Countries confirm their entry by mid-December in the year before the contest to avoid any issues.
Eurovision 2026 Participating Countries List
By late 2025, 24 countries have said yes to join. The list includes long-time Eurovision stars and some new ones. Here is how each nation makes its choice:
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Albania: Uses Festivali i Këngës, a national song contest that shows Albania’s rich music.
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Australia: Stays strong in Eurovision. The national broadcaster SBS confirmed its plan early.
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Austria: As host, Austria will pick its act through a televised national final that sparks local interest.
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Azerbaijan: Repeats its usual style. It makes its choice by internal selection to pair popular tunes with local touch.
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Croatia: Holds a contest called Dora to find new talent and catchy songs.
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Cyprus: Shows Mediterranean sounds mixed with modern pop in its selection.
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Czechia (Czech Republic): Chooses its act by internal selection, aiming for modern and well-made entries.
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Denmark: Runs the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, a competition known for fun and creative songs.
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Estonia: Uses Eesti Laul, a contest that finds new talent with a range of styles.
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France: As a Big Five member, France puts on a mix of internal and public selection.
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Germany: A Big Five nation that changes its broadcaster duties but always sends strong entries.
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Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom: All these nations join with their own traditions and local music styles.
The Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) get a free pass to the final along with the last year’s winner (Austria for 2026). All other countries must compete in semi-finals to earn a spot in the grand final.
What to Expect from Eurovision 2026
A total of 25 countries perform in the final. They qualify either through the semi-finals or via free pass status. The contest uses votes from national juries, televotes from the countries, and a new global online vote. Points (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12) decide the winner.
Eurovision is a musical show and a place for cultural sharing. In past contests, you have seen songs in different languages—even made-up ones. The show mixes age-old music with new moves on stage.
Takeaways for Eurovision Fans and Newcomers
- Mark Your Calendars: Watch live on May 12, 14, and 16 in Vienna.
- Follow National Finals: Look for shows in Albania, Denmark, Estonia, and Croatia to catch early acts.
- Know the Big Five: These nations always catch the crowd’s eye with solid production.
- Appreciate Diversity: Enjoy acts that blend traditional sounds with bright modern shows.
- Voting Matters: Your vote counts. Televotes and online votes make Eurovision a two-way exchange.
Looking Ahead
Eurovision 2026 grows into a much-watched music event. A neat group of countries will show their best acts on stage. Knowing who takes part helps you enjoy the mix of styles and friendly contests. Whether you have watched it for years or are new to the show, follow each nation’s method and news before the contest.
Sign up for newsletters or check official Eurovision channels to hear the latest news, artist reveals, and song previews. Get set to watch the music, the emotions, and the big shows in Vienna in 2026!
Ready to see the show? Start tracking your favorite countries today and join the fun when the Eurovision stage lights up in 2026.
