Portugal’s broadcaster RTP will meet the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Thursday 25 September to discuss the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026.
Meeting scheduled
TSF reports that RTP will hold talks with the EBU on 25 September. The broadcaster has not revealed its position on Israel’s participation and says discussions are ongoing.
In a statement to That Eurovision Site, the RTP press office stated:
“RTP will communicate its position in due course.”
This follows recent moves from broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland which have linked their participation to Israel’s status. Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm participation for Vienna 2026.
Festival da Canção continues
RTP has also recently introduced several updates to Festival da Canção, including a new rule that the winner is not obliged to represent Portugal at Eurovision. This highlights that the festival will continue as a standalone event with “its own identity,” even if RTP were to step back from Eurovision.
Portugal’s Eurovision journey
Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest with António Calvário’s “Oração” in 1964. Since then, Portugal has participated in the competition 55 times – appearing the final 46 times. Their only win in the competition came in 2017 with Salvador Sobral, performing his heart-wrenching song “Amar Pelos Dois”.
Portugal’s most recent participation was with NAPA with the song “Deslocado”. The band managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, they finished in 21st place. They received a total of 50 points, of which 37 points came from the jury and 13 points came the televote.
Should Portugal participate? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: TSF
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
Giwrgos Oiko 
Tetiana Viznytsia