The 2026 contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, following the country's victory at the 2025 contest with the song "Wasted Love", performed by JJ. It will be the third time that Austria has hosted the contest, having previously done so in 1967 and 2015, both times also in Vienna. The selected venue for the contest is the 16,152-seat Wiener Stadthalle, which previously hosted the contest in 2015.[2]
In addition to the main venue, the Rathausplatz will be the location of the Eurovision Village, which hosts performances by contest participants and local artists as well as screenings of the live shows for the general public. The Vienna City Hall will host the EuroClub, which organises the official after-parties and private performances by contest participants, as well as the "Turquoise Carpet" and opening ceremony on 10 May 2026, where the contestants and their delegations will be presented before accredited press and fans.[2][3] Both locations will repeat the same functions they held in 2015.[4]
The location of the host city Vienna (in blue), cities and towns that submitted bids (in red) and cities and towns that expressed interest but ultimately did not bid (in grey)
Following Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF)'s win for Austria in the 2025 contest, its director, Roland Weißmann[de], emphasised venue suitability and proximity to airports as key criteria in the selection process for the host city for 2026, while ORF's program director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz[de] noted the lack of newly built large arenas in recent years but encouraged municipalities with viable plans to submit bids.[5]
Several cities expressed interest in hosting the 2026 contest within days of Austria's 2025 win. On 18 May 2025, the mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, confirmed the city's intention to bid.[6] On the same day, Graz stated it was examining a potential bid, with mayor Elke Kahr pointing to Stadthalle Graz as a suitable venue.[7][8] The Schwarzl Freizeit Zentrum, also in Graz, was proposed as a potential venue by its concert manager and operator, Klaus Leutgeb.[9] Also on 18 May, Innsbruck and Wels confirmed they would bid with the Olympiahalle and a new exhibition hall, respectively.[10][11]Oberwart also expressed interest in hosting.[12] On 19 May, Sankt Pölten's mayor Matthias Stadler proposed VAZ St. Pölten[de] as a possible venue.[13] On 26 May, Ebreichsdorf presented a proposal to host in a temporary venue.[14]
ORF launched the bidding process on 2 June 2025, by opening a window for cities and municipalities to declare their interest. Those candidates received the detailed tender documents and had until 4 July to submit their bids. Ebreichsdorf withdrew from the process on 15 June,[15] followed by Oberwart on 21 June,[16] Graz on 27 June,[17] and Wels on 1 July.[18] Vienna and Innsbruck were the only cities to submit bids by the deadline.[19][20] On 20 August, the EBU and ORF announced Vienna as the host city.[2][21]
The proposed venue was a temporary arena with a capacity for 20,000 people. Another venue for a public viewing of the final with a capacity of 30,000 would have been set-up. Withdrew from bidding on 15 June.
Joint bid, with Wels hosting the contest proper. The venue is under construction and scheduled to be completed in March 2026. Withdrew from bidding on 1 July.
Eligibility for participation in the Eurovision Song Contest requires a national broadcaster with active EBU membership capable of receiving the contest via the Eurovision network and broadcasting the contest live nationwide. The EBU issues an invitation to participate in the contest to all active members. Broadcasters have until 15 September 2025 to apply for participation and until 13 October to withdraw without facing a financial penalty,[26] though Ynet reported that this has been extended until December.[27]
As of August2025,[update] broadcasters from the following countries have publicly confirmed their intention to participate in the 2026 contest:
Provisional participants of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026
Albania–On 9 June 2025, RTSH confirmed it would select its entry through Festivali i Këngës, the song contest used since 2004 for this purpose.[28]
Austria–ORF initially announced that it would be selecting its entry internally,[64] but later confirmed a televised national final would be held.[29]
Azerbaijan– On 6 August 2025, head of delegation Nurlana Jafarova confirmed İTV's intention to participate in 2026, while emphasising that an official announcement was "delayed".[31]
Cyprus–On 4 August 2025, CyBC confirmed its intention to participate in 2026.[32]
Germany–In January 2025, ARD announced it would switch the organisation of its participation in the contest from regional broadcaster NDR, which had been in charge since 1996, to SWR starting in 2026.[65][66] In June, SWR confirmed its intention to participate.[39]
Greece–ERT announced that it would be selecting its entry through Ethnikós Telikós, the broadcaster's revamped national final format first held in 2025.[67][68]
Israel–On 28 June 2025, Kan confirmed its intention to participate in 2026;[69]HaKokhav HaBa is expected to be used to select the Israeli artist.[70]
Latvia–On 1 August 2025, LSM announced it would be selecting its entry through Supernova, the national final format which has been in use since 2015.[44]
Lithuania–LRT announced it would be selecting its entry through Eurovizija.LT, the national final format which has been in use since 2024.[46][47]
Luxembourg–On 10 June 2025, RTL announced it would be selecting its entry through the Luxembourg Song Contest, the national final format which has been in use since 2024.[48]
Malta–On 29 May 2025, TVM, a subsidiary of PBS, announced a songwriting camp for "creating high-level songs with the potential to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026".[71][72]
Montenegro–On 25 August 2025, RTCG's council adopted a "Rulebook on Selecting the Representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026". Additionally, the broadcaster's general director stated that Montenegro's participation is "not even in question".[51]
Netherlands–On 21 May 2025, AVROTROS opened song submissions for its participation in 2026, with its entry to be chosen internally.[52][53]
Serbia–On 26 May 2025, Duška Vučinić, public relations manager and contest commentator for RTS, confirmed that the broadcaster would not withdraw in 2026.[56]
Spain–José Pablo López, chairman of RTVE, announced that the broadcaster would select its entry through Benidorm Fest, the national final format in use since 2022, and that a cash reward of €150,000 would be handed to "secure the musical career of their Eurovision representative".[73]
Switzerland–On 2June 2025, SRG SSR confirmed its intention to participate in 2026,[60] announcing on 30 June that it would continue to select its entry internally.[75]
Ukraine–Suspilne announced that it would be selecting its entry through Vidbir, the national final format which has been in use since 2016.[61]
United Kingdom–In August 2024, BBC Studios renewed the contract to produce Eurovision content until 2028, and will "work alongside the BBC in the selection of the UK act, and oversee their performance".[62]
Confirmed non-participation
Andorra–On 26 May 2025, RTVA confirmed it would not participate in 2026 and would not collaborate with Catalan broadcaster TV3 for a possible return.[76][77] Andorra last took part in 2009.
Slovakia–On 23 July 2025, a statement by Filip Púchovský, a press representative for STVR was released, in which he stated that "the costs of full participation, including licensing fees, production and logistics, are disproportionately high compared to the revenues and societal impact" and that Slovakia would not be returning to the contest in 2026.[79] Slovakia last took part in 2012.
Other countries
Belgium–On 9 July 2025, VRT reported that RTBF had not yet confirmed its 2026 participation and intends to wait, while continuing to organise its selection process as usual.[80]
Czechia–On 15 June 2025, a representative of the press department of ČT, Radek Konečný, stated that the broadcaster would announce its decision on participation in 2026 in the autumn of 2025.[81]
Kazakhstan–On 8 July 2025, chairman of the board of directors of Khabar Agency, Kemelbek Oishybayev, stated that at the EBU General Assembly earlier that month, he proposed that EBU director-general Noel Curran invite Kazakhstan to the contest, and that Curran had assured him that the issue would be discussed at the next EBU meeting.[82][83]
North Macedonia–On 16 May 2025, Macedonian journalist Aleksandra Jovanovska gave an interview on the MRT programme Makedonija nautro, in which she said that the broadcaster is still interested in a return to the contest. She stated that there are a number of artists who have expressed their readiness to represent North Macedonia should it return, and that problems currently preventing participation include the lack of a suitable selection format and the cost of participation.[84] North Macedonia last took part in 2022.
Poland–On 27 August 2025, Agnieszka Lenart, head of press for Polish Eurovision delegation, stated that TVP would most likely announce its decision regarding participation in 2026 in mid-September 2025.[85]
San Marino–On 5 August 2025, SMRTV stated that no decision had been made regarding its participation in 2026.[86]
Slovenia–On 26 May 2025, RTVSLO stated that it would reconsider its participation in the contest if the EBU did not respond adequately to concerns surrounding the "transparency of the vote", referring to Israel's televote win in 2025.[87]
Production and format
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be produced by the Austrian national broadcaster ORF. The core team consists of Michael Krön as executive producer, Stefan Zechner as show producer, Daniel Hack as head of production, Christine Tichy as technical manager, Roman Horacek as head of communications, Iris Keutter as marketing manager, Oliver Lingens as event manager, Christina Lassnig as executive assistant, Christina Heinzle-Conrad as secretary-general, and Martin Szerencsi as legal advisor. Zechner, Tichy, Horacek, Keutter, Lingens, and Szerencsi all previously held similar or analogous positions for the 2015 contest in Vienna.[88]
In June 2025, the EBU announced that Martin Österdahl would step down from his role as executive supervisor of the contest, with ESC director Martin Green temporarily assuming Österdahl's duties.[89]
A study by the research institute EcoAustria[de] estimates the budget for the contest to be at €36 million, with the Municipal Council and Landtag of Vienna allocating €22.6 million and the EBU contributing an expected €5 million.[90][3]
Visual design
On 18 August 2025, the EBU released a revamped version of the generic logo, designed by the London-based branding studio Pals, to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest's 70th anniversary. A new design element named the "Chameleon Heart" was also introduced, consisting of 70 layers of the "Eurovision heart" rendered in 3D and is adaptable for future host countries' needs.[91]
Broadcasts
All participating broadcasters may choose to have on-site or remote commentators providing insight and voting information to their local audience. Although they are required to show the final and semi-final in which their country votes, most broadcasters cover all three shows. Some non-participating broadcasters also air the contest. The Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel provides international live streams with no commentary of all shows.
The following are the broadcasters that have confirmed in whole or in part their broadcasting plans and/or commentators:
1 2 Hajizade, Aysel (6 August 2025). "Azərbaycanı "Avroviziya"da "Səs Azərbaycan"ın qalibi təmsil edəcək? – Açiqlama"[Will the winner of "The Voice of Azerbaijan" represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision? – Statement]. Azxeber (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 12 August 2025. O, Azərbaycanın "Avroviziyada" iştirak etməyəcəyi haqda yayılan məlumatların əsassız olduğunu bildirib.[She said that the information that Azerbaijan will not participate in Eurovision is baseless.]
↑ "Πρακτικο αριθμ. 409 Διοικητικου συμβουλιου της 24-07-2025"[Minutes No. 409 of the Board of Directors meeting of 24-07-2025]. Programma Diavgeia[el]. 24 July 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025. Το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο, αφού έλαβε υπόψη την εισήγηση του Διευθύνοντος Συμβούλου με αρ. πρωτ.: 976/23.07.2025, αποφασίζει ομόφωνα και εγκρίνει τη δημοσίευση ανοικτής πρόσκλησης εκδήλωσης ενδιαφέροντος για την ανάδειξη του τραγουδιού της ελληνικής συμμετοχής στον 70ο διαγωνισμό τραγουδιού της Eurovision, που θα διεξαχθεί στην Αυστρία, τον Μάιο 2026.[The Board of Directors, having taken into consideration the recommendation of the Managing Director with ref. no. 976/23.07.2025, unanimously decides and approves the publication of an open call for expressions of interest for the selection of the Greek entry for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Austria in May 2026.]
1 2 3 "Söngvakeppnin" (in Icelandic). RÚV. 29 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025. Við erum að taka á móti lögum í Söngvakeppnina. Lumar þú á framlagi Íslands í Eurovision? [...] Fyrra undankvöldið er 12. maí og það seinna 14. maí. Úrslitakeppnin verður svo haldin 16. maí og sýnd í beinni útsendingu á RÚV.[We are accepting entries for the Söngvakeppnin. Are you excited about Iceland's entry for Eurovision? [...] The first semi-final is on May 12th and the second on May 14th. The final will be held on May 16th and broadcast live on RÚV.]
1 2 Saveljić, Nikola (25 August 2025). "Zgrada za zaposlene u RTCG-u biće pripremljena do septembra, stiglo deset prigovora"[The building for RTCG employees will be ready by September, ten objections have been received]. Vijesti (in Montenegrin). Retrieved 25 August 2025. Raonić je rekao da se ne dovodi u pitanje učešće Crne Gore na ovogodišnjem Eurosongu, već način na koji će država odabrati svog predstavnika.[Raonic said that Montenegro's participation in this year's Eurovision Song Contest is not in question, but rather the way in which the country will select its representative.]
1 2 Hyttebakk, Jon Marius (20 June 2025). "Send inn låt til MGP 2026"[Submit your song to MGP 2026] (in Norwegian Bokmål). NRK. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
↑ "Sergio Jaén será el director artístico del Benidorm Fest 2026"[Sergio Jaén to be artistic director of Benidorm Fest 2026]. RTVE (in Spanish). 26 June 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025. El Benidorm Fest 2026 se celebrará los días 10, 12 y 14 de febrero[Benidorm Fest 2026 will be held on the 10th, 12th and 14th of February]
↑ Harari, Amit (28 June 2025). "איגוד השידור האירופי ידון בהדחתה של ישראל מהאירוויזיון"[The European Broadcasting Union will discuss Israel's removal from the Eurovision Song Contest] (in Hebrew). Kan. Retrieved 29 June 2025. כאן, תאגיד השידור הישראלי, מסר: "ישראל משתתפת בתחרות האירוויזיון יותר מ-50 שנה ובהצלחה גדולה. כאן מקפיד לקיים במלואם את כללי התחרות וימשיך לעשות כך. תאגיד השידור הישראלי נערך בימים אלה לתחרות האירוויזיון הבאה באוסטריה".[Kan, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation stated: "Israel has been participating in the Eurovision Song Contest for more than 50 years with great success. Kan is committed to fully complying with the rules of the contest and will continue to do so. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation is currently preparing for the next Eurovision Song Contest in Austria."]
↑ "ישראל תסולק מאירוויזיון 2026? זו הבשורה שקיבלה קשת 12"[Will Israel be kicked out of Eurovision 2026? This is the news Keshet 12 received]. Ice (in Hebrew). 30 June 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2025. ההחלטה לגבי ההשתתפות הישראלית בתחרות צפויה להתקבל בחודשים הקרובים, בהתבסס על הערכות ביטחוניות ודיפלומטיות שיתגבשו עד אז. בינתיים, בכאן 11 נותנים לכוכב הבא לאירוויזיון בקשת 12 להיות כרטיס הכניסה של הנציג לאירוויזיון[The decision regarding Israel's participation in the contest is expected to be made in the coming months, based on security and diplomatic assessments that will be finalized by then. In the meantime, Kan 11 is using "The Next Star for Eurovision" on Keshet 12 as the selection method for the Eurovision representative]
↑ "Sejħa għall-Applikazzjonijiet: Malta Eurovision Music Exchange Camp 2025"[Call for Applications: Malta Eurovision Music Exchange Camp 2025]. TVM News (in Maltese). Public Broadcasting Services. 29 May 2025. Archived from the original on 31 May 2025. Retrieved 29 May 2025. Il-parteċipanti magħżula se jibbenefikaw minn mentoring professjonali, workshops prattiċi u lectures, kollha mmirati biex joħolqu kanzunetti ta' livell għoli b'potenzjal li jirrappreżentaw lil Malta fil-Eurovision Song Contest 2026.[The selected participants will benefit from professional mentoring, practical workshops and lectures, all aimed at creating high-level songs with the potential to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.]
↑ Mancheño, José Miguel (29 May 2025). "El ganador del Benidorm Fest 2026 recibirá 150.000 euros con el objetivo de "asegurar la carrera musical" del representante de España en Eurovisión"[The winner of Benidorm Fest 2026 will receive 150.000 euros in order to ‘secure the musical career’ of Spain's Eurovision representative]. ESCplus España (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 5 June 2025. Retrieved 29 May 2025. Una de las principales novedades que vamos a tener en el Benidorm Fest va a ser la introducción de un premio para el ganador por importe de 150.000 euros que asegure la carrera musical del que vaya a ser el representante de España en Eurovisión.[One of the main novelties at the Benidorm Fest will be the introduction of a prize for the winner of 150,000 euros to ensure the musical career of the artists, who will be Spanish representative at the Eurovision Song Contest.]
↑ Skvagerson, Maja (15 August 2025). "Så ändras Melodifestivalen"[Melodifestivalen 2026: Here are the changes]. Göteborgs-Posten (in Swedish). Retrieved 18 August 2025.
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