Eurovision 2026: what's the running order for the first semi-final?

A few days before the grand final of the 70th edition of the Eurovision, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has reminded the running order for the two semifinals, with the first one not to be missed on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

This year, 35 countries are competing in Vienna, Austria, all chasing the same prize: to snag victory and succeed JJ, last year’s Eurovision winner. But of these 35 entrants, only 25 will have the opportunity to take part in the grand final set for Saturday, May 16, 2026.

On May 12, 2026, there will be 15 contenders defending their title and their country’s colors in Vienna. But only ten will earn a place in the final. This Tuesday, the lineup includes Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, ranked among the favorites by bookmakers, as well as Sweden’s Felicia, Poland’s Alicja, and the Greek contender Akylas, all well placed in the competition. Furthermore, two countries, automatically qualified, will unveil their performances for the occasion, namely Italy and Germany.

• To be read
• First Eurovision 2026 semi-final on Tuesday: here are the favorites
• Eurovision 2026: 15 countries in the running this Tuesday for the first semi-final
• Eurovision 2026: here are the five frontrunners in the contest, seven days before the final

So, when will the Finnish duo perform their song on Tuesday evening? At what point in the night will Akylas take the stage? Find out right away the running order for the first semi-final of the Eurovision 2026.

Eurovision 2026: The running order for the first semi-final on Tuesday, May 12, 2026

• 1/ Moldova – Satoshi – Viva, Moldova!
• 2/ Sweden – FELICIA – My System
• 3/ Croatia – LELEK – Andromeda
• 4/ Greece – Akylas – Ferto
• 5/ Portugal – Bandidos do Cante – Rosa
• 6/ Georgia – Bzikebi – On Replay
• Italy – Sal Da Vinci – Per sempre sì / Automatically qualified
• 7/ Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin
• 8/ Montenegro – Tamara Živković – Nova Zora
• 9/ Estonia – Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True
• 10/ Israel – Noam Bettan – Michelle
• Germany – Sarah Engels – Fire / Automatically qualified
• 11/ Belgium – ESSYLA – Dancing on the Ice
• 12/ Lithuania – Lion Ceccah – Sólo Quiero Más
• 13/ San Marino – Senhit – Superstar
• 14/ Poland – ALICJA – Pray
• 15/ Serbia – LAVINA – Kraj mene

Eurovision 2026: which channel will broadcast the semifinals, and what time will they be live?
Eurovision returns this week with a grand final you won’t want to miss on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Before that, viewers will be able to watch the semifinals live from Vienna. So, what time and on which channel can you follow these two stages scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14? We’ve got you covered. [Read more]

Eurovision 2026: 15 countries in the running this Tuesday for the first semi-final
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Eurovision Song Contest will reveal the name of its new winner in a grand final staged in Vienna, Austria. Until then, the musical spectacle, watched by millions of viewers, will determine the finalists of this 70th edition. The first of the two semifinals is not to be missed on May 12. Without further ado, discover the songs from the 15 countries in the running this Tuesday evening. [Read more]

First Eurovision 2026 semi-final on Tuesday: here are the favorites
Eurovision returns this Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with the first of two semi-finals. For the occasion, 15 contenders will face off, and only ten will walk away with a ticket to the grand final set for Saturday, May 16. So, who are the favorites in this first semi-final? Who might clinch a spot in the final? Here’s what you need to know. [Read more]