Coming Saturday, 1 February 2025, a jury and the television watching public will decide will represent Belgium for Flemish public broadcaster VRT at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel in Switzerland. Oddly, Belgium has been on top of the bookmakers’ charts for the outright win. Íf, and it’s a big íf, that happens, which city could host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest?

After the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest I wrote ‘Will Belgium win the Eurovision Song Contest ever again?‘. And perhaps, yes perhaps, 2025 could be the year Belgium actually wins. According to bookmakers. 

Belgium has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to win ESC 2025, Songfestival.be noticed. This position is particularly intriguing given that the country has not yet selected its representative for the competition. The betting platforms’ confidence in Belgium’s chances has ignited curiosity, especially considering the country’s uneven performance history at Eurovision.

Belgium’s track record in recent editions of the contest has been inconsistent. In 2024, Mustii failed to advance beyond the semi-finals, and the nation has often struggled to secure top ten finishes in the grand final. Despite this, excitement around Belgium’s prospects for 2025 is largely tied to the upcoming Eurosong competition, the national selection process that will determine the country’s Eurovision representative.

Eurosong 2025 has generated significant attention, particularly due to the calibre of artists competing in the preliminary rounds. The line-up includes performers with notable experience in television singing competitions and the music industry. 

Mentissa, who previously won ‘The Voice Kids Belgium‘ and placed third in ‘The Voice France‘, has garnered considerable attention. She is currently a jury member on ‘The Voice Belgique‘. 

Grace, who won ‘The Voice Belgique’ in the adult category, is also competing, as are Stefanie Callebaut, formerly of the band SX, and Jelle van Dael, a former member of the dance group Lasgo. 

Other contenders include Red Sebastian, who reached the finals of ‘Belgium’s Got Talent‘, LEEZ, who is the sister of Belgian singer Metejoor, Le Manou, a runner-up in ‘Junior Eurosong 2009‘, and Lenn, the grandson of Louis Neefs, a former Eurovision contestant. 

Among these candidates, Mentissa is widely considered the frontrunner due to her popularity and extensive experience. The other favourite is Red Sebastian. 

Inside information

The Eurosong (Flanders‘ Eurovision selection is called ‘Eurosong’) competition was pre-recorded in December 2024, with a live audience in attendance at the VRT studios in Brussels. 

The audience, which included international Eurovision fans, reportedly responded enthusiastically to several performances, particularly those by Mentissa, Red Sebastian, and Jelle van Dael. 

These reactions have been credited with driving Belgium to the top of the bookmakers’ rankings. Although the final Eurosong episode will be broadcast on 1 February, snippets of four competing songs have already been released, offering a glimpse of the musical quality and generating additional excitement.

According to Jake Ashton of OLBG, a platform that analyses betting trends, Belgium’s position as the favourite reflects a combination of factors. 

The buzz around Eurosong, the strong previews of the songs, and the anticipation of a well-chosen representative all contribute to this optimism. 

Ashton also noted the ‘Gustaph effect‘, referencing Belgium’s 2023 Eurovision entry, which initially faced criticism but ultimately achieved a seventh-place finish. 

This previous success may have bolstered confidence in VRT’s ability to select a competitive act.

Betting trends further illustrate how bookmakers influence public perception. Higher odds are assigned to countries with perceived strong chances of success, in part to attract more bets while managing profit margins. Belgium’s rise in the rankings also suggests that international fans and insiders have placed significant bets on the country following their exposure to the Eurosong recordings.

Marketing efforts may play a role in Belgium’s elevated status as well. In previous years, countries have invested heavily in promotional campaigns for their Eurovision entries. While there is no concrete evidence of such strategies in Belgium’s case, the possibility cannot be discounted.

The final decision on Belgium’s Eurovision representative will be made during the live Eurosong broadcast on 1 February, when the public will vote for their favourite candidate. 

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is scheduled to take place on 13, 15, and 17 May in Basel. Belgium’s current standing with bookmakers reflects a combination of hype, strategic betting dynamics, and a promising selection process. Whether this translates into a victory on the Eurovision stage remains to be seen.

Belgium only one the ESC once before, in 1986 with Sandra Kim and ‘J’aime la vie‘. 

Criteria for host cities

The opportunity to host the Eurovision Song Contest is a prestigious one, and cities vying for the role must meet a rigorous set of criteria established by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). These standards are designed to ensure the event runs smoothly and maintains its reputation as one of the world’s most-watched television broadcasts.

The primary requirement is a suitable venue. According to the EBU, the venue must accommodate at least 10,000 spectators for the live shows, with ample space for the elaborate stage, the green room where contestants await results, and the extensive technical infrastructure needed for a production of this scale. The venue must also be available for a significant period—usually six to eight weeks—to allow time for set construction, rehearsals, and the live broadcasts.

Accommodation is another crucial factor. The host city must be able to provide thousands of hotel rooms to cater to the influx of delegates, media representatives, fans, and tourists. This accommodation should range across various price points to ensure accessibility for all visitors.

Transport links play a vital role as well. The city must be easily accessible from international locations, typically requiring proximity to a major airport. Within the city, public transport must be efficient and capable of managing large numbers of visitors, ensuring seamless movement between venues and key locations.

Broadcasting requirements are stringent. The host broadcaster must ensure the city has the infrastructure to deliver high-quality live coverage, including a dedicated press centre for journalists and ample facilities for the delegations. This infrastructure is essential to meet the demands of the show’s global audience, which exceeded 160 million viewers in recent years, according to Eurovision.tv.

Beyond logistics, cities must also demonstrate their ability to host associated cultural events. The Eurovision Village, for example, is a fan zone featuring live performances and entertainment, often in iconic public spaces. These events are crucial for fostering a festive atmosphere and showcasing the city’s cultural identity.

Financial commitment is a significant consideration. Host cities typically cover costs for venue hire, local security, public transport enhancements, and infrastructure improvements. The financial burden is shared with the host broadcaster, but cities are expected to show they can manage the demands of such a large-scale event.

Support from local and national governments is also essential. This cooperation ensures necessary permits are issued, public services are aligned with the event’s needs, and security measures are robust. Cities with a history of hosting international events often have an edge, as they can demonstrate their capacity to manage the complexities of large-scale operations.

In summary, hosting Eurovision is about more than just providing a stage; it requires a city to showcase its logistical expertise, cultural richness, and willingness to engage with a global audience. 

As past host cities like Turin (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal), and Stockholm (Sweden) have proven, meeting these criteria not only ensures a successful event but also leaves a lasting legacy for the city itself.

Belgium?

I have four cities in mind which could – I’m tempted to say ‘easily’ – host the Eurovision Song Contest. Brussels Airport (BRU) in the municipality of Zaventem makes every candidate city close to an airport. 

Every candidate city is well connected by rail. They all have urban public transport. So the main challenge will be political will to make it – financially – happen. 

Candidate 1: Brussels

As venue, Brussels has an obvious site: the Brussels Exhibition Centre, also known as Brussels Expo and in Belgium mostly known as the Heysel, which is the name of the area. 

Brussels Expo is the largest event complex in the Benelux region, with 115,000 m² of space. Located on the Heysel Plateau in northern Brussels, it serves as a hub for major national and international trade fairs, exhibitions, concerts, and other events. Its twelve halls, along with conference and exhibition areas, are a testament to 20th-century advancements in construction techniques.

The centre’s origins date back to 1931, when five halls were constructed for the 1935 Brussels International Exposition, marking the centenary of Belgian independence. Among them, the Centenary Palace (Palais 5) remains a prominent feature, showcasing the Art Deco style of architect Joseph Van Neck. 

Expanded in subsequent decades, the site gained additional halls, including Palais 4 in the 1940s and Palais 7 to 9 for the Expo 58 World’s Fair, during which the Atomium was also built. The venue further grew with the addition of Palais 11 in 1977, Palais 12 in 1989, and the Auditorium in 1993.

Today, the modernised Palais 12 is a major indoor arena accommodating up to 15,000 attendees for concerts and sporting events. The Centenary Palace, known for its reinforced concrete frame and vast dimensions, continues to host trade fairs and large performances. Notably, it was the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1987.

Brussels Expo is well-connected, located near Heysel Metro Station and accessible via tram and bus. It offers parking for 12,000 vehicles, making it a practical venue for events of all sizes.

Hotels in Brussels

For accommodation, the 2022 Annual Report by Visit.Brussels cites 179 hotels, 17,178 hotel rooms and 40,962 hotel beds. Is that enough? 

Brussels is Belgium’s capital and largest city. It’s in the middle of the country and would be neutral ground, navigating community and linguistic sensitivities existing in the kingdom. 

Candidate 2: Antwerp

VRT being Flemish, it could choose Antwerp and its Sportpaleis. Together with the adjacent Lotto Arena, it could host the contest, the audience and the press corps easily.

The Antwerp Sports Palace was originally built in 1933 as a velodrome, it has evolved into a premier venue for concerts, sporting events, festivals, and fairs. Covering a massive area with a roof spanning 11,600 m², it has become one of the world’s most visited arenas, second only to Madison Square Garden in New York in 2007–2008, according to Billboard Magazine.

Constructed by the Apostel-Mampaey family, celebrated velodrome builders of the early 20th century, the Sportpaleis was Europe’s largest indoor arena at its opening. Its rich history includes hosting major track cycling events, such as the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in 1969 and 2001, and a range of cultural milestones, including Roy Orbison’s final European performance in 1988.

The venue underwent significant renovations between 2011 and 2013, expanding its capacity to over 23,000, making it one of Europe’s largest arenas. 

The modernised space has attracted global icons like Beyoncé, who set records for ticket sales at the venue, and Dutch band Within Temptation, who held a sold-out 15th-anniversary concert accompanied by an orchestra.

In addition to concerts, the Sportpaleis has hosted notable sports events, such as the 2019 Basketball Champions League Final Four and the 2022 Counter-Strike Global Offensive Major, marking its first foray into esports. The Antwerp Giants, a local basketball team, set a national attendance record at the arena in 2015, highlighting its versatility.

Adjacent to the Sportpaleis is the Lotto Arena, a sister venue accommodating up to 8,000 spectators. Together, these venues solidify Antwerp’s position as a hub for large-scale events. The arena continues to play a key role in international entertainment, with upcoming events like the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket in 2027 further enhancing its legacy.

Hotels in Antwerp

The ‘Logiesaanbod‘ web page by Tourisme Vlaanderen from July 2024 says Antwerp has 22,000 hotel beds. More hotel availability is coming. 

Connectivity of Antwerp

Antwerp has its own airport, Antwerp International Airport (ANR) in Deurne. But its scale is small. 

Antwerp-Central Railway Station can boast direct connections to the Netherlands, France, Germany and Czechia. 

Candidate 3: Ghent

Less likely is Ghent. But Ghent has Flanders Expo. 

Flanders Expo, is a versatile arena and convention centre that has been a prominent venue for concerts, exhibitions, trade fairs, and sports events since its establishment in 1986. Officially opened in May 1987 during the third edition of Flanders Technology International, it is the largest event hall in Flanders and the second largest in Belgium, ranking as the 40th largest exhibition complex globally.

The facility comprises eight interconnected halls, a conference centre, and three restaurants, offering significant flexibility for various events. Hall 1, the central and largest space, spans over 19,000 m², while the newer Hall 8, designed for large-scale productions, provides 10,735 m² of space with advanced acoustics for concerts and sporting events. The complex also includes 4,000 parking spaces to accommodate visitors.

Flanders Expo has a rich history of hosting notable concerts, with performances by international stars like Tina Turner, Prince, and Metallica. It has also become the annual home of ‘I Love Techno‘, Europe’s largest indoor techno festival, drawing 60,000 visitors each autumn. In the realm of sports, the venue has hosted significant events such as the 1988 FIBA Champions Cup Final Four and the 2015 Davis Cup World Group final between Belgium and Great Britain.

Hotels in Ghent

According to Toerisme Vlaanderen, the capital of the province of East Flanders has 13,000 hotel beds. 2,000 less than Bruges in West Flanders. 

Connectivity of Ghent

Ghent-Saint-Peter’s Railway Station is connected to Lille-Flanders in France, which offers good rail connections to the rest of France and the United Kingdom. 

Candidate 4: Liège

I’m adding Liège to the list. Liège is situated in Wallonia. And if VRT wins, it’s expected VRT hosts ESC 2026 and RTBF selects a contestant for the competition. Mirroring what happened in 1986-1987. 

But in Belgium, you never know. In Flanders the Flemish nationalists N-VA rules and they allergic to everything Belgian and and they are Thatcherian allergic to government spending (and support of anything not fitting their ideas).

So let’s imagine Liège is a candidate. It has Liège Expo, which is in the process of getting new management. That doesn’t help the Fiery City‘s case. 

Liège Expo, inaugurated on 2 October 2024, is a state-of-the-art exhibition and convention centre located in the Droixhe district of Liège. 

Replacing the former Coronmeuse fairgrounds, demolished in 2021, it was developed as part of the European FEDER initiative ‘Liège, City in Transition‘ to revitalise the area and support the city’s economy and cultural scene. Built on a reclaimed industrial site with a focus on sustainability, construction began in 2022 and concluded in July 2024.

Spanning 16,500 m², Liège Expo features five modular halls and a multi-purpose room with a capacity of up to 10,000 people, making it one of the largest venues in Wallonia. Equipped with modern technologies such as LED lighting, automated energy systems, and rainwater recovery, the facility also includes an outdoor esplanade for events, ample parking, and direct access to the Liège tramway and public transport.

The venue strengthens Liège’s presence in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) sector, hosting a diverse range of fairs, exhibitions, cultural events, concerts, and sports competitions. Its opening was celebrated with the Jumping de Liège equestrian event, which drew significant crowds and showcased its capability to host large-scale events.

Strategically located near the E25 motorway and well-connected by tram, bus, and cycle routes, Liège Expo is positioned to become a European hub for international events. The project also contributes to the redevelopment of the Droixhe district, boosting the local economy and real estate investment while enhancing the city’s global profile.

Connectivity of Liège

Liège Airport (LGG) in Bierset mainly focuses on cargo. Liège-Guillemins Railway Station offers connections to Maastricht in the Netherlands and Aachen, Cologne, Frankfurt and some other cities in Germany. It also has a connection to Luxembourg. 

So?

First things first. Belgium has to win first, right? I feel like it’s hyping or hyped too early and the hype will collapse like a cheese soufflé. Let’s see in May. 

But I couldn’t resist thinking what if. 

If, if Belgium wins, Brussels is the likely host city of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

UPDATE 01.02.2025: “Brussels or Antwerp”

Belgium is sending Red Sebastian with ‘Strobe Lights’ to Basel. At the ‘Eurosong’ finale, presenter Peter Van de Veire said if Belgium wins, it would be Brussels or Antwerp hosting ESC 2026.