RTP, Portugal’s public broadcaster, has officially announced how the 16 competing composers of Festival da Canção 2026 have been divided between the two semi-finals.
The allocation was determined through a draw held at RTP’s headquarters in Lisbon. Following requests from the artists involved, Bandidos do Cante and Cristina Branco were placed in the second semi-final in order to avoid conflicts with previously scheduled commitments.
The semi-finals will take place on the following dates:
Semi-Final One – February 21
AGRIDOCE
Evaya
Marquise
Djodje
Dinis Mota
Bateu Matou
André Amaro
Nunca Mates o Mandarim
Semi-Final Two – February 28
Bandidos do Cante
Cristina Branco
Inês Sousa
Sandrino
Jacaréu
Francisco Fontes
Gonçalo Gomes
Rita Dias
Footage from the draw is available via RTP’s official platforms.
So far, 13 of the 16 competing acts have indicated that they would not represent Portugal at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, even if they were to win Festival da Canção. Bandidos do Cante remain the only participants who have publicly confirmed their willingness to go to Eurovision. Meanwhile, André Amaro and Sandrino have not commented on the matter.
Festival da Canção 2026 will consist of two semi-finals, scheduled for February 21 and February 28, followed by the grand final on March 7.
Portugal was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 by NAPA with the song “Deslocado”, finishing in 21st place with a total of 50 points.
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!