Eurovision 2026: 35 Countries to Compete Amid Israel Boycott Row
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In a move that has sparked international controversy, 35 countries will take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, despite a boycott by five nations over Israel's participation. The 2026 finale is set to be held in Vienna in May, after organizers announced the final list of competing countries. A total of 37 countries participated in the 2025 contest, with Austria's JJ emerging as the winner. However, this year's event has been marred by a high-profile boycott, with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain opting out. The decision to allow Israel to compete, despite protests over its handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and allegations of vote-rigging, has been at the center of the controversy. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the contest, had implemented reforms to address concerns about vote-rigging, but they were not enough to satisfy the boycotting countries. The Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world's most-watched programs with over 100 million viewers annually, has faced a significant crisis ahead of its 70th anniversary. The boycott has been described as one of the biggest challenges the contest has faced, at a time when public broadcasters are facing funding pressures and social media is competing for viewers' attention. Israeli officials have hailed the decision to allow their country's participation, warning that the boycott could threaten freedom of expression and unfairly politicize the contest. The boycott has also raised questions about the role of politics in the Eurovision Song Contest, an event that prides itself on promoting unity and cultural exchange. The return of three countries - Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania - who skipped the event in recent years, adds to the excitement ahead of the 2026 contest. However, the boycott and controversy surrounding Israel's participation have overshadowed the event's usual joyful atmosphere, highlighting the complexities and challenges facing the Eurovision Song Contest in the modern era.
