Ten countries qualified from the second semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 to compete in the grand final this Saturday [1], [2].

The results finalize the roster of performers vying for the title in Vienna, Austria [1], [2]. This stage of the competition serves as the final filter, determining which nations possess the combined support of international viewers and professional juries to advance [1].

The second semifinal took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026 [3]. According to the Associated Press, 15 countries competed for 10 spots in Saturday's finale [1]. The selection process relies on a voting system that balances the preferences of national juries with the votes of viewers worldwide [1].

Among the nations that fought for a place in the finale were Bulgaria and Malta [2]. The competition in Vienna has seen a diverse array of contenders attempting to secure a spot in the final broadcast [2].

While the final lineup is now set, betting markets and prediction analysts have already identified frontrunners for the title. The New York Times said Finland is the favorite for prediction markets and bookmakers, but singers from Australia, Denmark, Greece, and Israel are coming for the title, too [4].

The grand final will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 [3]. This event marks the culmination of the contest, where the qualifying nations will perform one last time to determine the winner of the 2026 competition [1], [3].

“Fifteen countries competed for 10 spots in Saturday's finale.”

The completion of the semifinal stage shifts the focus from qualification to the strategic voting dynamics of the grand final. Because the final lineup now includes a mix of bookmaker favorites like Finland and dark-horse contenders from Australia and Israel, the result will likely depend on whether jury preferences align with the populist viewer vote.