‘Tis the ESC season, because we have the 2026 Eurovision national finals calendar, ready to fill in over time.
This may be a very different national final season, not to mention Eurovision Song Contest, than ones we have seen in the past. Given the ongoing turmoil regarding Israel’s participation in the contest, a vote being scheduled and then cancelled, and the possibility of numerous countries withdrawing, it is difficult to keep up on a daily basis. However, even if some countries walk from the contest, you can expect most of the national finals to proceed.
Which national final most piques your interest? More importantly, when are they taking place? If you have the questions, we have the answers. Be warned: There are going to be some new national finals which were not here last year.
How Many National Finals Were There in 2025?
Last year, there were 27 national finals held to determine a country’s representative(s) at the Basel-hosted Eurovision Song Contest. The remaining ten acts, including the winning Austrian song, were selected internally.
There were supposed to be 28, but Moldova withdrew following the audition round.
How Many National Finals Will There Be in 2026?
As of late October, the number is still growing. We do not have a firm number, but expect there to be at least 20 between December and March.
2026 Eurovision National Finals Calendar: By Country
The following is a list of national finals announced or believed to be happening so far. The list and calendars below will be updated as more information is revealed.
Last Update: 4 November 2025
| Country | Contest | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | Festivali i Këngës 64 (FiK) | 17-21 December 2025 |
| Austria | Vienna Calling: Wer singt für Österreich? | 20 February 2026 |
| Bulgaria | TBD | TBD |
| Croatia | Dora 2026 | TBD February 2026 |
| Denmark | Denmark Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP) | 14 February 2026 |
| Estonia | Eesti Laul 2026 | 14 February 2026 |
| Finland | Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) | 28 February 2026 |
| Germany | TBD | TBD February 2026 |
| Greece | Ethnikós Telikós 2026 | TBD |
| Iceland | Söngvakeppnin 2026 | TBD |
| Israel | HaKokhav HaBa | TBD |
| Italy | Sanremo Music Festival 2026 | 24-28 February 2026 |
| Latvia | Supernova 2026 | 31 January-14 February 2026 |
| Lithuania | Eurovizija.LT 2026 | GF: 27 February 2026 |
| Luxembourg | Luxembourg Song Contest 2026 (LSC) | 24 January 2026 |
| Malta | Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 (MESC) | 15-17 January 2026 |
| Moldova | TBD | TBD |
| Montenegro | Montesong 2025 | 21 December 2025 |
| Norway | Melodi Grand Prix (MGP) | TBD |
| Poland | TBD | TBD |
| Portugal | Festival da Canção 2026 (FdC) | TBD |
| San Marino | San Marino Song Contest 2026 (SMSC) | 3, 4, 7 March 2026 |
| Serbia | Pesma za Evroviziju 2026 (PzE) | TBD |
| Spain | Benidorm Fest 2026 | 10, 12, 14 February 2026 |
| Sweden | Melodifestivalen 2026 (Melfest) | 31 January-7 March 2026 |
| Ukraine | Vidbir 2026 | TBD February 2026 |
2026 Eurovision National Finals: Calendar View
December 2025
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
Countries Unlikely to Hold a National Final in 2026
The following countries have either confirmed they will not hold a national final, or are unlikely to do so based on recent history:
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- France
- Georgia
- The Netherlands (may withdraw)
- Romania (participating but unknown)
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Who Knows What’s Happening?
The following countries are in limbo. Some have said they will withdraw if Israel participates in 2026, and for these nations, their national finals are also in doubt. Others have not decided on a national final or participation:
- Armenia (status unknown)
- Belgium (may withdraw)
- Ireland (may withdraw)
- North Macedonia (status unknown)
- Slovenia (may withdraw)