Eurovision 2026: Everything you need to know for the big night in Vienna

Eurovision 2026 - When and where

It's that time of year again already when European nations, plus one or two others, compete to win the continent's most glittering song prize.

This year's contest is the 70th Eurovision. The first was held in Italy in 1956.

The 2026 semi-finals will take place on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May before the final - the big night when fans from all over Europe tune in and vote for the winner - on Saturday 16 May. 

This year's host country is Austria, with the semi-finals and final taking place in Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna, after they were victorious last year, thanks to JJ with the song "Wasted Love". 

Eurovision Final 2026 - How to watch and listen

Eurovision Saturday is a staple of spring entertainment so, if you want to watch or listen, here's how you can do that in the UK.

The final and the semi-finals will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer.

Those who want to listen via BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

Eurovision Final 2026 - Which countries are taking part?

Five countries - France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Austria - are already through to Eurovision final. They will be joined by 20 more from the semi-finals listed below.

First Eurovision semi-final - 12 May

The first semi-final is on Tuesday 12 May. The following countries are taking part and the top 10 will go through to the final. 

• Georgia (GPB)
• Portugal (RTP)
• Croatia (HRT)
• Sweden (SVT)
• Finland (YLE)
• Moldova (TRM)
• Greece (ERT)
• Montenegro (RTCH)
• Estonia (ERR)
• San Marino (RTV)
• Poland (TVP)
• Belgium (RTBF)
• Lithuania (LRT)
• Serbia (RTS)
• Israel (KAN)

Second Eurovision semi-final - 14 May

The second semi is on Thursday 14 May. The following countries are taking part and the top 10 will go through to the final. 

• Armenia (AMPTV)
• Romania (TVR)
• Switzerland (SRG SSR)
• Azerbaijan (Ictimai)
• Luxembourg (RTL)
• Bulgaria (BNT)
• Czechia (CT)
• Albania (RTSH)
• Denmark (DR)
• Cyprus (CyBC)
• Norway (NRK)
• Malta (PBS)
• Australia (SBS)
• Ukraine (Suspilne)
• Latvia (LPSM)

Can I bet on Eurovision 2026?

Finland are the clear favourites to win Eurovision 2026 at 1/12.00 on the Betfair Sportsbook. 

There is more to Eurovision on Betfair, however, than betting on the winner and the Betfair Exchange markets are perfect for betting in-play - during the event - if you want to get swept up in the excitement and place a few wagers. 

On the Betfair Exchange there is an enormous range of markets which allow you to bet on the outcomes of the semi-finals and who will qualify for the final.

You can back countries to finish in the top three over all, as well as punting on who will be top Balkan, Baltic, and Nordic country - just make sure you know your geogrpahy. The latter should be a competitive one with seven-time winners, and home of Abba, Sweden involved. 

And this is just a sample of some of the markets available - there are plenty more.

Eurovision stats

Who has won Eurovision the most? Sweden and Ireland with seven victories each.

How many times has UK won Eurovision? Five times which puts them joint-second in the all-time winners list with France, Luxembourg and Netherlands.

Who has finished second in Eurovision the most? The UK, with 16 runners-up finishes, the most recent being in 2022 when Sam Ryder's Spaceman lost out to Ukraine.

Who holds the record for coming last at Eurovision? Finland and Norway have both finished rock bottom 10 times.

Who has taken part in most Eurovision Song Contests? Germany with 68 appearances. Next comes UK and France with 67.

Bookmark our Eurovision blog for more previews and news