Eurovision announces host city for 2026 as fans divided over location choice

The host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 has been announced. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the international contest, shared the news this week alongside confirming the dates for next year.

Austria will welcome the contest for a third time next year following their act JJ's victory in Switzerland back in May with the song Wasted Love. Last month, it was revealed that Innsbruck and Vienna were in the running as host cities.

It's now been announced that Vienna has been chosen by the EBU and Austrian broadcaster ORF to host the 70th edition of Eurovision. It has also been confirmed that the contest will be held in the city from May 12 to 16 next year.

The semi-finals will be held at the Wiener Stadthalle on May 12 and 14, before the venue, which is the largest indoor arena in the country, fronts the grand final on May 16. The opening ceremony will instead be at City Hall on May 10.

Vienna, which the EBU has described as a "historical hub for the arts," remains the only city in Austria to have hosted the contest and has done so twice already. It previously had the honour in 1967 and 2015, which was the 60th edition.

The EBU has said that the capital city was chosen following a "competitive bid process" that examined facilities at the venue and local infrastructure. Organisers are said to have also examined the ability to accommodate thousands of visitors for the international contest "among other criteria".

Martin Green CBE, director of the contest, said: "The EBU is thrilled that Vienna has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Vienna's reputation as one of the most musical cities in the world, and its location in the heart of Europe, makes it the perfect Host City for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest.

"The city's exceptional Stadthalle was a great venue for the 60th Contest in 2015 and we're very much looking forward to welcoming delegations, artists and fans alike back there next May as the world's largest live music event celebrates 70 glorious years of being United by Music. Together with Host Broadcaster ORF and the city of Vienna we will create a spectacular celebration of music that will reverberate across the world."

Roland Weißmann, director general of host broadcaster ORF, added: "After thorough examination and based on a unanimous jury assessment, ORF concluded that Vienna's offer is not only the most attractive in terms of infrastructure and logistics but also economically. The Contest is a celebration for all of Austria, which we will all be proud of."

Whilst Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig said: "In Vienna, we can be proud that our city has been selected by the EBU and ORF as the most suitable Host City for one of the world’s largest events. We submitted a convincing overall package with enormous accommodation capacities, excellent infrastructure, and a lot of experience in hosting international events. Additionally, we placed great emphasis on offering numerous Eurovision Song Contest events in public spaces that can be visited free of charge."

Fans have been sharing their thoughts since the news was announced. Many have suggested that Vienna was the likely choice and most suitable, though some appear to be disappointed that it wasn't somewhere else in Austria.

One person wrote on X: "So despite the fact its hosted it twice before...back to Vienna for 2026. Feel for Innsbruck and rest of Austria that their capital seems to win out against them AGAIN."

Another said: "Gutted for Innsbruck. Get ready for another cookie cutter contest." Someone replied: "Same, struggling to get excited about this one. It'll be a dull redux of 2015, which was one of the weakest productions of the modern era to begin with."

A number of fans have expressed excitement though and suggested that Vienna was the right choice. One wrote: "Eurovision heading to Vienna in 2026 brings the contest back to a classic stage." Another said: "Vienna will be an amazing host, such a beautiful city with a rich musical history."

A third wrote: "Good. Vienna is the only city in the country with the necessary size and infraszructure to handle this. Sorry Innsbruck, this is more than just a bigger concert." Someone wrote: "Vienna seemed to be the only logical option, but Innsbruck would have been a lovely city for the fans to visit."

Another said: "Vienna was such an obvious choice that I really do wonder why they waited until today to proclaim it as the host-city. Welcome back to a capital-city, dear #Eurovision Song Contest!"

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