These 35 Countries Will Sing for the ESC Crown in Vienna 2026

The record number promised by ORF Director General Roland Weißmann has not been achieved, but it is far from being a solo event in the Vienna Stadthalle: 35 countries will participate in May 2026 at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. This was announced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Monday. Thus, despite the boycott by five nations due to Israel's participation, only two fewer countries will participate in the Vienna ESC than at this year's event in Basel.

35 countries are part of the Song Contest in Vienna

While Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland will stay away from the competition in 2026 due to Israel's admission, ORF, as the host of the anniversary edition, can welcome Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania as returnees to the tournament.

"Hooray, hooray: Canada!" might be what another ESC host can shout. Although the maple syrup state has officially announced its interest in participating in the ESC for the first time, the time frame for negotiations with the EBU was apparently not sufficient to have the distinctive flag with the red maple leaf waving in the Vienna Stadthalle in 2026.

Austria secured in the ESC final

Since Spain, one of the so-called "Big Five" main contributors to the music competition, which are automatically qualified for the final, is absent, there will only be "Big Four" in 2026 with Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, to which Austria joins as this year's winning country, also automatically qualifying for the final round on May 16 in the Vienna Stadthalle. The remaining 30 countries, however, must first survive the two semi-finals on May 12 and 14, which are evenly divided. For the 15 acts performing in each, there are ten final tickets available. Which country will compete in which semi-final will be decided on January 12, when the starting positions are ceremoniously drawn in Vienna.

The Official Participant List for ESC 2026

The participant field for the anniversary edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026:

Director Green Addresses Fans

ESC Director Martin Green expressed his delight in a statement, referring to the official motto of the Song Contest, about the three returning participants in the competition: "Their return is a living example of the enduring power of the Eurovision Song Contest and what it truly means to be 'United by Music'." A few days before the official confirmation, Green had addressed the fans in an open letter, acknowledging their emotions in the debate over Israel's participation or exclusion following the Gaza war: "I want to tell you that we see you." At the same time, Green pointed out that the ESC was founded 70 years ago to unite a divided Europe as a symbol of unity and peace: "This competition has survived wars, political unrest, and changing borders and has continued to grow."

This was due, not least, to the rule-based order: "We know that many fans demand a clear stance from us on geopolitical events. But the only way for the Eurovision Song Contest to continue bringing people together is to adhere to the agreed rules."

The EBU member broadcasters from Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, who will boycott the competition in Vienna next year due to Israel's admission, have conducted the discussion with great dignity. "Each of us respects their position and decision. We will continue to work with them as friends and colleagues and hope that they will soon return to the competition."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.