San Marino has officially confirmed its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, set to take place in Austria. The announcement was made by San Marino RTV (SMRTV) on September 8, 2025, ending weeks of speculation about the microstate’s involvement in next year’s contest.
This confirmation follows San Marino’s participation in Eurovision 2025, where Gabrio Ponti proudly represented the country.
A Eurovision-Style San Marino Song Contest
Alongside the confirmation, SMRTV revealed a major revamp of its national selection format. In a press release, RTV’s Director-General Roberto Sergio announced that the San Marino Song Contest will now follow the Eurovision model:
“We will organize the San Marino Song Contest with quality standards equal to or higher than last year, and in fact adopting the same format as Eurovision: two semi-finals and a final, all in the same week, broadcast live.”
This new format introduces two live semi-finals and a grand final, all staged within one week and broadcast live from San Marino. The change marks a departure from the previous multi-phase system, offering a more streamlined and audience-friendly approach.
San Marino’s Eurovision Journey
Since its debut in 2008, San Marino has become one of Eurovision’s most intriguing smaller participants. Over the years, the country has brought both international acts and local talent to the stage. Its best result so far came in 2021, when Senhit and Flo Rida finished 22nd in the Grand Final with “Adrenalina.”
Looking Ahead
With its participation in Eurovision 2026 secured and a refreshed, Eurovision-style selection format announced, San Marino is preparing to deliver another exciting chapter in its Eurovision story. Fans can look forward to a week of live shows that will decide who represents the Most Serene Republic on Europe’s biggest stage.
Source SMRT
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