Frank Rondel
The 2026 edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place in North Macedonia, as revealed during the final press conference in San Marino, reports customreceipt.com via Eurofestival News. France won the 2025 contest, represented by 11-year-old Lou Deleuze performing the song “Ce Monde”. Unlike the adult Eurovision, the rules for the junior version do not obligate the winning broadcaster to host the following year. North Macedonia, a former Yugoslav republic, volunteered to host the 2026 competition, aiming to pave the way for a potential return to the adult Eurovision stage. The country last participated in the 2022 Eurovision, where Andrea Koevska’s “Circles” failed to advance beyond the semi-finals. Notably, North Macedonia has never previously hosted either the adult or junior Eurovision contests.
Preparations for Junior Eurovision 2026 in North Macedonia are expected to involve extensive coordination between the national broadcaster, EBU officials, and participating countries. Organizers aim to showcase the country’s cultural heritage while providing young performers a professional platform to present their songs to an international audience. The press conference highlighted logistical plans, including venue arrangements, security measures, and broadcasting strategies to ensure the event meets international standards.
The decision by North Macedonia to host the contest is seen as a strategic step to increase the nation’s presence in European music competitions and attract international attention to its local music industry. Officials emphasized that hosting Junior Eurovision can inspire domestic youth and strengthen North Macedonia’s reputation within the European Broadcasting Union network. The 2026 edition will follow the traditional format of live performances by competing young artists, a professional jury, and public televoting, ensuring both entertainment and fair evaluation.
Preparations also include collaborations with local cultural institutions, technical teams, and media partners to deliver a seamless live broadcast across participating countries. The country is expected to welcome delegations from across Europe, facilitating workshops, rehearsals, and promotional events leading up to the main show. North Macedonia’s commitment to hosting the event underscores its broader ambitions to re-establish itself in the adult Eurovision circuit in future years.
Earlier we wrote about where to celebrate March 8, 2026 in Chicago: best events, dinners and gala locations