The excitement around Eurovision Song Contest 2026 continues to build, as the official running order for both Semi-Finals in Vienna has now been revealed — giving fans their first real sense of how the shows will unfold on stage.
First Semi-Final Running Order
The First Semi-Final will open with Moldova and close with Serbia, shaping what looks like a dynamic and diverse show from start to finish.
Full running order:
- Moldova
- Sweden
- Croatia
- Greece
- Portugal
- Georgia
- Italy (pre-qualified, performing)
- Finland
- Montenegro
- Estonia
- Israel
- Germany (pre-qualified, performing)
- Belgium
- Lithuania
- San Marino
- Poland
- Serbia
With Sweden performing early and Serbia closing the show, this Semi-Final already promises strong contrasts in energy and style.
Second Semi-Final Running Order
The Second Semi-Final will begin with Bulgaria and finish with Norway, setting up another carefully balanced show.
Full running order:
- Bulgaria
- Azerbaijan
- Romania
- Luxembourg
- Czechia
- France (pre-qualified, performing)
- Armenia
- Switzerland
- Cyprus
- Austria (host country, performing)
- Latvia
- Denmark
- Australia
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom (pre-qualified, performing)
- Albania
- Malta
- Norway
Closing the show, Norway will have the final word before voting begins — always a coveted position in Eurovision strategy.
How the Qualification Works
For this landmark 70th edition, both public voting and professional juries will determine the results in each Semi-Final. The Top 10 countries from each show will advance to the Grand Final on Saturday, 16 May.
As always, the host country Austria and the “Big 4 this year” — France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom — automatically qualify for the Grand Final. However, they still perform during the Semi-Finals and contribute to the voting.
Germany and Italy appear in the First Semi-Final, while Austria, France and the United Kingdom are featured in the Second.
What This Means
The running order often plays a crucial role in Eurovision outcomes — opening slots must grab attention instantly, while closing performances aim to leave a lasting impression.
With Moldova and Bulgaria opening their respective shows, and Serbia and Norway closing them, the stage is set for two Semi-Finals that will build momentum all the way to their final moments.
Now, all eyes turn to rehearsals and staging — because in Eurovision, placement is just the beginning of the story.
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