In a decisive move that will shape the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, organizers announced a final list of 35 participating countries after five nations announced a boycott over Israel’s entry.
Final List and Boycott
The contest organisers revealed the lineup for the 2026 finale, scheduled to be held in Vienna in May. The list includes 35 nations, while Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain announced they would sit out.
Returning Nations
Three countries—Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania—will return to the competition after skipping previous years for artistic or financial reasons.
Political Controversy
The boycott followed disputes over Israel’s participation, with protests about its conduct of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation. Organisers decided to allow Israel to compete despite these protests. The European Broadcasting Union, the body that runs the event, had attempted to address vote‑rigging concerns, but the reforms were insufficient for the holdouts.
The event, which attracts more than 100 million viewers annually, has been marred by Gaza war‑related protests for the past two years, prompting organisers to clamp down on political flag‑waving.
Impact and Reactions
The boycott, occurring ahead of the contest’s 70th anniversary, is described as one of the biggest crises the competition has faced. Many public broadcasters are under funding pressure, and social media has drawn attention away from the event.
Israeli officials praised the decision of most EBU member broadcasters to support Israel’s right to participate, warning that involving musicians in political issues threatens freedom of expression.
Key Takeaways
- 35 countries confirmed for 2026 Eurovision, after five nations boycotted.
- Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania return to the contest.
- The decision to allow Israel to compete amid protests sparked political controversy.
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will unfold in Vienna with a reduced field, amid heightened political tensions and a return of several former participants.
