41 Countries in 2026? – French Head of Delegation Suggests So
In a recent conversation on a French podcast, Alexandra Redde-Amiel, the head of the French Eurovision delegation, casually mentioned that “41 countries” are taking part in Eurovision. This sparked curiosity among fans about the possible number of participants for the 2026 contest in Vienna.
The podcast, hosted by Johanna Cohen — a French director, acting teacher, and coach — explored Redde-Amiel’s career as a producer and her experiences as a woman in the largely male-dominated world of television. Eurovision and Junior Eurovision became part of the discussion, leading to the intriguing revelation about next year’s contest.
“41 countries” compete in Eurovision.
As many fans recall, last year’s Eurovision Song Contest included only 37 participants. The number for 2026 is still uncertain, particularly as Israel’s involvement remains a deciding factor. While the mentioned figure could have been a general one, it is notably specific — not a rounded “40” — and coincides with the total last seen in 2019.
Redde-Amiel’s wording was also interesting: she did not phrase it as “41 countries will participate” or “up to 41 countries could participate,” but simply used the present tense. This natural statement could hint at internal knowledge or merely optimism about future participation.
In recent days, three nations have officially announced their comeback for the 2026 competition: Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Their return already promises an expanded lineup compared to the previous year.
Author’s Summary
Alexandra Redde-Amiel’s remark about “41 countries” in Eurovision 2026 has stirred speculation among fans, hinting at a potentially record-breaking participation for the upcoming contest.