The Eurovision 2027 host city race is down to two. On 13 July 2026 the European Broadcasting Union and Bulgarian National Television confirmed that Sofia and Burgas go through to the final stage, and that the bids from Plovdiv and Varna have been eliminated.
Both surviving bids clear the EBU's headline requirement: an indoor venue holding at least 10,000 spectators and available for roughly eight weeks around the contest. Arena Sofia holds around 18,000 and Arena Burgas, opened in 2023, around 15,000. Plovdiv's Kolodruma (~7,500) and Varna's Palace of Culture and Sports (~6,000) fell short on capacity.
What happens next
A joint EBU and BNT delegation is visiting both cities to assess venues, accommodation capacity, transport links and financial guarantees. The final decision is due by 31 July 2026 - BNT has pushed to shorten the process so the winning city can start its public procurement.
Is it already Sofia?
Possibly, but nothing is official. During the announcement of Canada's participation in Eurovision 2027, BNT and the BBC appeared to name Sofia as the host city. Neither broadcaster has confirmed it and the selection committee has announced no result, so treat it as an unconfirmed slip rather than a decision. It does point the same way as the venue and infrastructure comparison - see our full host city tracker.
What fans should do now
- Book free-cancellation rooms in both Sofia and Burgas. Prices in the winning city will jump within hours of the announcement. Our accommodation guide explains the approach.
- Don't wait on tickets - they are expected around December 2026 to January 2027. Free Eurofan pre-registration is the useful step today; see the ticket guide.
- Set flight alerts for both cities for mid-May 2027. Fares to the winner will rise quickly.
- Still heading to Plovdiv or Varna? Both remain excellent trips - our Plovdiv and Varna guides still apply.
We'll publish a full breakdown within hours of the official announcement - get an email alert.
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