Discord over Israel's participation and its war in Gaza has dominated the build-up to this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Now, on the eve of the start of the semi-finals, here’s a breakdown of who's set to perform when and what to expect.
Eurovision semi-finals: What to expect, how to watch and who is among favourites to win
Political Leaning Analysis
Score: 0.00 •
Center / Neutral
Left
Center
Right
Story Timeline
Sun 13:30 - HLN (BE)
Sandra Kim won the Eurovision Song Contest forty years ago, but regrets it: “I wanted to become an air hostess”
Sun 18:47 - NRK (NO)
Want Eurovision to become a rallying point in a difficult world
Mon 09:31 - La Libre (BE)
Eurovision 2026: bookmakers dampen Belgium's hopes
Tue 10:37 - HLN (BE)
The most secure Eurovision Song Contest ever? FBI helps Austria with surveillance in Vienna
Tue 14:06 - SRF Wirtschaft
Veronica Fusaro at the ESC in Vienna – “A little frustrating”: room for improvement after the first rehearsals
Tue 15:36 - Al-Monitor
Vienna police brace for protests at Eurovision Song Contest final
Wed 06:20 - The Bulletin (BE)
40 years after winning Eurovision, Sandra Kim recalls exploitation, financial hardship
Wed 16:17 - Die Zeit Newsfeed
Boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest: If Israel comes, we won't come
Thu 12:16 - DW All
Eurovision 2026: Politics collide with a blockbuster show
Thu 12:16 - DW Top
Eurovision 2026: Politics collide with a blockbuster show
Thu 14:14 - SRF Wirtschaft
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 – sniffer dogs, the FBI and special forces at the ESC in Vienna
Thu 16:30 - HLN (BE)
Essyla stands out during the second Eurovision Song Contest rehearsal: this is what her act looks like on stage
Fri 05:27 - France 24
Eurovision hopes 70th anniversary celebration outshines Israel controversy
Fri 14:41 - La Repubblica (IT)
Sal Da Vinci at Eurovision, the rehearsals of "Forever yes" between white dresses and a bride on stage
Fri 23:01 - BBC Europe
Anti-work anthems, Boy George and controversial lyrics: A guide to all 35 Eurovision songs
Sat 03:00 - La Repubblica (IT)
Sal Da Vinci at Eurovision: “I am a streetwalker of feelings, I sing for those who come from the bottom like me”
Sat 07:28 - DW World
Eurovision 2026: Politics collide with a blockbuster show
Sat 07:28 - DW
Eurovision 2026: Politics collide with a blockbuster show
Sat 08:49 - ANSA Main
Sal da Vinci ready for Eurovision: "Music has the power to unite"
Sat 20:26 - La Libre (BE)
Eurovision 2026: The EBU sends an official warning to the Israeli channel
Sat 23:03 - BBC Europe
Another year, another controversy for Eurovision - but fans are sticking by it
Sun 06:05 - SRF Wirtschaft
A year after the ESC – Zoë Më: “A few months after the ESC I fell into a hole”
Sun 14:40 - SVT Nyheter (SE)
Eurovision in Vienna officially opens
Sun 16:11 - La Repubblica (IT)
Iranian protesters at Eurovision against Israel and the Ayatollah regime
Sun 23:33 - BBC Europe
Why Eurovision's fallout over Israel may change the competition forever
Mon 04:43 - SRF Wirtschaft
Eurovision Song Contest – favorites, disappointments, new rules – the ESC 2026 in check
Mon 05:32 - Euronews
Eurovision semi-finals: What to expect, how to watch and who is among favourites to win
Mon 07:16 - Euronews
Eurovision 2026 kicks off with turquoise carpet parade in Vienna
Mon 07:26 - NYT Europe
How Israel Turned Eurovision’s Stage Into a Soft Power Tool
Mon 07:27 - NYT Europe
How to Win Eurovision With Just a Few Hundred Voters