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When and Where Will Eurovision 2026 Take Place?
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Vienna, Austria, on Saturday, 16 May 2026. Following last year’s victory by Austria’s JJ with the song ‘Wasted Love‘, the event will feature two semi-finals on 12 and 14 May. This edition will see participation from a total of 35 countries, although it is not without controversy. Several countries, including Spain and Ireland, have announced boycotts due to Israel’s participation amid ongoing tensions.
Which Countries Are Participating and Who Is Boycotting?
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Vienna, Austria, on Saturday, 16 May 2026. This year’s event will feature a total of 35 countries participating, following Austria’s victory with JJ’s song “Wasted Love” in 2025. However, the contest is facing controversy as several countries, including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, have announced boycotts due to Israel’s participation. Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, emphasized that “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage in the world.” Eurovision director Martin Green expressed respect for the decisions made by the boycotting countries.
What Are the Key Events Leading Up to the Contest?
- 16 May 2025: Austria wins Eurovision with JJ’s ‘Wasted Love’.
- 12 May 2026: First semi-final of Eurovision 2026.
- 14 May 2026: Second semi-final of Eurovision 2026.
- 16 May 2026: Grand Final of Eurovision 2026.
The upcoming contest in Vienna follows Austria’s previous win, which adds significance to the 2026 event. However, it is marked by controversy, as several countries, including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, have announced boycotts due to Israel’s participation.
What Are the Reactions to the Boycotts?
Isaac Herzog: “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage in the world, and I am fully and actively committed to that.”
This statement reflects Herzog’s stance on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 amidst the controversy surrounding boycotts from several countries.
Martin Green: “We respect the decision of all broadcasters who have chosen not to participate in [the] Eurovision Song Contest and hope to welcome them back soon.”
Green’s comments highlight the Eurovision director’s acknowledgment of the boycotting countries and the hope for their future participation.