The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has confirmed to ESC Today that countries now have extra time to decide if they’ll take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The original deadline of October 11 has been extended to mid-December, giving broadcasters a few more weeks to finalize their plans without facing financial penalties.
The adjustment comes from the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group and, according to Martin Green, the Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, “this is simply a procedural matter and has no effect on the overall planning” for preparations ahead of the contest’s 70th edition, which will be hosted in Vienna.
The official list of Eurovision 2026 countries is now expected in mid to late December, giving fans plenty of time to wonder who will make it to the stage.
