First countries secure place in Eurovision 2026 final

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Akylas qualifies for Saturday final

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 hopes remain alive for Greece after Akylas qualified for Saturday’s grand final during the first semi-final in Vienna.

Performing the song “Ferto”, Akylas delivered an impressive stage performance that secured Greece the first qualification announcement of the night.

The Greek delegation erupted in celebration as the result was revealed following a tense voting process.

Countries through to the final

The ten countries that qualified from the first semi-final are:

  1. Greece – Akylas – Ferto
  2. Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin
  3. Belgium – ESSYLA – Dancing on the Ice
  4. Sweden – FELICIA – My System
  5. Moldova – Satoshi – Viva, Moldova!
  6. Israel – Noam Bettan – Michelle
  7. Serbia – LAVINA – Kraj Mene
  8. Croatia – LELEK – Andromeda
  9. Lithuania – Lion Ceccah – Sólo Quiero Más
  10. Poland – ALICJA – Pray

Countries eliminated

The countries eliminated from the competition were:

  • Portugal – Bandidos do Cante – Rosa
  • Georgia – Bzikebi – On Replay
  • Montenegro – Tamara Živković – Nova Zora
  • Estonia – Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True
  • San Marino – SENHIT – Superstar

Semi-final broadcast live from Vienna

The first semi-final aired live from Vienna on RIK at 22:00 Cyprus time.

Alongside the competing entries, viewers also watched performances from Italy and Germany, both members of the “Big 5” countries that automatically qualify for the grand final.


Also read: Eurovision boycott over Israel could reshape the competition
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