Portugal’s Festival da Canção 2026 semi-final split has been announced. Songs have yet to be released; however, songwriters from each semi-final will be able to qualify for the final.
Semi-final 1 (February 21st)
8 acts will be taking part in semi-final 1, with 5 acts being able to qualify for the final. The first semi-final is set to happen on February 21st. The running order is yet to be announced. The songwriters can either pick an artist to perform their song or perform it themselves, with the artists performing these songs yet to be announced.
These 8 songwriters will be taking part in semi-final 1 –
- AGRIDOCE
- André Amaro
- Bateu Matou
- Dinis Mota
- Djodje
- Evaya
- Marquise
- Nunca Mates o Mandarim
Semi Final 2 (February 28th)
These 8 songwriters will be taking part in semi-final 2 –
- Bandidos do Cante
- Cristina Branco
- Francisco Fontes
- Gonçalo Gomes
- Inês Sousa
- Jacaréu
- Rita Dias
- Sandrino
How does Festival da Canção work?
Festival da Canção 2026 will have 2 semi-finals along with a final. A combined 10 acts will perform in the final, with 5 from semi-final 1 and 5 from semi-final 2. For the semi-finals, 4 artists will be selected by a 50/50 split of public vote and jury vote, and 1 will be selected from a public vote. Within the final, the winner will be chosen through a 50/50 vote between the public and jury votes. The final will take place on March 7th.
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.
Which semi-final looks stronger to you? Who do you think could be Portugal’s best shot in Vienna? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all your Eurovision news!
News Source: RTP
Photo Credit: Festival da Canção/ RTP
Giwrgos Oiko