The Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV has officially opened song submissions for Söngvakeppnin 2026, the country’s national selection show through which Iceland’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest is chosen. The announcement confirms Iceland’s intention to participate in Eurovision 2026, set to be held next May.
This development follows months of uncertainty surrounding Iceland’s stance towards the contest. Earlier in the year, Iceland was at the center of controversy after calls were made for Israel to be excluded from Eurovision 2026. RÚV faced significant public and political pressure, with petitions and debates suggesting that Iceland should withdraw from the competition if Israel were allowed to remain. Ultimately, despite the tension and drama, Iceland did not withdraw, though the issue sparked strong reactions both domestically and internationally.
At this point, however, it remains unclear whether Israel will participate in the upcoming Eurovision. No official confirmation has been given regarding its presence in the 2026 edition.
With the opening of submissions for Söngvakeppnin 2026, Iceland is signaling its commitment to the contest. However, at this stage, RÚV has not released further details regarding the format of Söngvakeppnin. As of now, no confirmed information has been made public by the broadcaster beyond the call for entries.
Iceland last achieved its best Eurovision result in 2009, finishing second with Yohanna’s Is It True?. The nation remains eager for a long-awaited victory, and Söngvakeppnin 2026 will once again determine the artist and song that will carry Iceland’s hopes onto the Eurovision stage.
What do you think? Could 2026 finally be the year Iceland claims its first-ever Eurovision victory?
Source: ESC Discord/RUV
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