One more country boycotts Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Iceland has become the fifth country to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, according to The Independent.

The Nordic nation has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in announcing that it will not participate in next year’s competition, following last week’s confirmation of Israel’s participation despite calls for its exclusion due to military operations in Gaza, CE Report quotes ATA.

“The participation of the Israeli national broadcaster, ‘Kan,’ in the contest has created divisions among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the wider public,” Icelandic broadcaster RÚV said in a statement.

As reported by the BBC, Iceland had previously indicated that it did not intend to take part in next year’s contest, but wanted to wait until the issue was discussed by its board of directors before making an official announcement.

Israel’s presence at Eurovision has become an increasing source of tension due to its war in Gaza, as well as allegations that the Israeli government attempted to influence public voting in this year’s festival.

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