The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has officially confirmed that 35 nations will take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with the competition set to unfold in the Austrian capital in May.
The United Kingdom's BBC is among the confirmed broadcasters, securing its place as one of the Big Four countries alongside France, Germany, and Italy.
These four nations receive automatic qualification to the grand final, bypassing the semi-final rounds entirely.
For years, Spain had also been part of what was formerly known as the Big Five, but its national broadcaster RTVE has withdrawn from the 2026 content in response to Israel's inclusion.
Eurovision: Israel's Yuval Raphael finished as runner-up last year | GETTYAustria, as reigning champion following JJ's victory at this year's contest, will also proceed directly to the final as host nation.
The announcement means 20 countries must compete through two semi-finals for the remaining spots in the grand final, where 25 acts will ultimately perform.
Five nations, including the aforementioned Spain, have opted to withdraw from the 2026 contest following confirmation that Israel would be permitted to compete.
Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have all joined Spain in announcing their intention to boycott the event.
Austria's JJ saw off Yuval Raphael at the last minute during the 2025 final | GETTY Icelandic broadcaster RÚV explained its decision in a statement, noting that "participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union and the general public."
The walkout represents a significant blow to the competition, with Ireland sharing the record for most Eurovision victories alongside Sweden.
This year's contest in Basel featured 37 participating countries, meaning the boycott has reduced the field by two nations despite Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania returning after sitting out recent editions for artistic or financial reasons.
The full list of competing countries is:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
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Former winner and Swiss singer Nemo has said they'll be returning their trophy in protest at Israel's inclusion
| GETTY- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxermbourg
- Malta
- Moldova
Spain's RTVE is among the five broadcasters that have withdrawn from next year's contest
|GETTY
- Montenegro
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Yuval Raphael's Eurovision appearance was overshadowed by widespread calls to boycott last year's event due to Israel’s inclusion
| GETTYVienna's Wiener Stadthalle will serve as the venue for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, with shows scheduled for May 12, 14, and 16, 2026.
The Austrian capital will welcome the competition for the third occasion in its history, having previously played host in 1967 and again a decade ago in 2015.
ORF, Austria's public broadcaster, will oversee the production of all three live shows. The grand final on May 16 will see 25 countries compete for the coveted Eurovision trophy.
The EBU has also announced that jury voting will return to the semi-final rounds as part of a broader package of rule changes for the upcoming contest.
Israeli officials have welcomed the decision by most EBU member broadcasters to support their right to compete, whilst warning against what they described as threats to freedom of expression by involving musicians in political disputes.