Greece with Akylas and the song “Ferto,” along with Cyprus represented by Antigoni and “Jalla,” are entering the final stretch ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 grand final.
The puzzle of this year’s Eurovision final was completed after the second semifinal determined the last 10 countries advancing to Saturday’s main event.
Akylas, performing “Ferto,” learned the identities of the remaining finalists — among them Cyprus, represented by Antigoni and “Jalla.”
Bringing the Cypriot dialect to the Eurovision stage for the first time, the energetic singer delivered a striking performance alongside four dancers, combining intense rhythms with dramatic flames and pyrotechnics.
Alongside Cyprus, the countries qualifying for the final were: Denmark, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Norway, Australia, Romania, Malta and Albania.
Albania moved audiences emotionally with the song “Nân,” meaning “mother.” Performed entirely in Albanian, the song speaks about a mother’s absence from home, longing, and the invisible bond that never breaks, even when someone moves far away. Through the lyrics, singer Alis conveyed the pain of separation and secured a place in the grand final.
Betting interest is now intensifying as bookmakers begin to reveal clearer favorites for victory.
Akylas’ placement in the sixth performance slot for Saturday’s final, combined with the conclusion of the second semifinal, caused “Ferto” to slip slightly to third place in betting predictions.
Finland remains the firm favorite to win. Australia, with the song “Eclipse,” has gained ground against Akylas and now occupies second place, while Greece currently sits in third. The top five is completed by Israel and Denmark.
Akylas now faces the challenge of breaking a 69-year-old “curse” from the sixth performance slot. Only one song in Eurovision history has ever won the competition performing sixth in the running order — back in 1957.
However, this year’s televoting changes may reshape the dynamics completely, as viewers no longer need to wait until all performances are completed before voting for their favorite song. Audiences are also now allowed to vote up to 10 times.
Despite the minor accident he suffered after qualifying for the final, Akylas reassured fans that his performance would not be affected.
Saturday’s final is set to begin at 10 pm local time and will be aired on public broadcaster ERT1.
