Spain announced it will join Ireland in boycotting Eurovision. The decision comes just days after Ireland has threatened to pull out if Israel is allowed to participate in the contest.
Eurovision 2026 will be the 70th edition of the contest, hosted in Vienna, Austria, after Austria won in 2025 with the song “Wasted Love” by JJ. The Grand Final is set for 16 May 2026 at the Wiener Stadthalle, with two semi-finals held earlier that week on 12 and 14 May. Vienna will also host Eurovision Village and the Opening Ceremony, and the event promises a fresh design to mark the 70 years of Eurovision.
The news has sent ripples across Europe, as both countries have long histories with the competition. Some Eurovision fans are calling this the biggest shake-up in years, while others worry it could lead to more countries dropping out.
Organizers have yet to respond, but pressure is clearly growing. With two nations now walking away, the spotlight is on Eurovision leaders to explain how they will handle this growing backlash.
