Miss Universe 2026: The 75th Anniversary Edition Set to Celebrate Beauty, Diversity and Global Culture in Puerto Rico
New York, November 15, 2026 —
The world’s most celebrated international beauty pageant, Miss Universe, is preparing for a historic milestone as it gears up for its 75th edition on November 24, 2026. The Diamond Jubilee edition of the competition will take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, popularly known as Coliseo de Puerto Rico or El Choliseo, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
With approximately 110–120 contestants expected from countries and territories worldwide, Miss Universe 2026 promises a spectacular celebration of beauty, confidence, cultural diversity, talent, and international friendship.
The landmark edition will also introduce a new crown, feature an extensive program of cultural and charitable activities, and bring together contestants representing a wide cross-section of the international community.
Puerto Rico Hosts the Diamond Jubilee Edition
Puerto Rico is hosting the Miss Universe competition for the fourth time, having previously welcomed the international pageant in 1972, 2001 and 2002.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant, marking 75 years since the Miss Universe pageant was established in 1952.
The reigning Miss Universe, Fátima Bosch of Mexico, will crown her successor during the grand finale on November 24. Former Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico is also among the presenters.
The event will be available to international audiences through several broadcasting and streaming platforms, including Telemundo, Reelz, Roku, TV Azteca, and Peacock.
A New Crown for the 75th Anniversary
One of the major highlights of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations is the unveiling of a new Miss Universe crown.
Titled “Radiance of an Eternal Legacy,” the new crown was unveiled on November 12, 2026. Venezuelan jewelry designer George Wittels designed it in collaboration with Maison d’Or.
The new creation replaces the previous Jewelmer crown and symbolizes the legacy, prestige, and enduring international appeal of the Miss Universe organization.
Its unveiling forms an important part of the pageant’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, adding a new visual identity to this historic edition.
Miss Universe 2026: Competition Schedule
The pageant’s main competitive events will take place over three days in San Juan, with the National Costume Show, Preliminary Competition, and Grand Finale forming the centerpiece of the celebrations.
Key dates (Puerto Rico local time):
| Date | Event | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| November 21 | National Costume Show | 7:00 p.m. |
| November 22 | Preliminary Competition – Swimsuit and Evening Gown | 7:00 p.m. |
| November 24 | Grand Finale and Coronation | 8:00 p.m. |
The Preliminary Competition will allow contestants to demonstrate their confidence, presentation skills, and stage presence in swimsuit and evening gown segments.
The National Costume Show will showcase the cultural heritage, traditional attire, and artistic creativity of participating countries and territories.
The Grand Finale on November 24 will culminate in the selection of the new Miss Universe, who will receive the coveted crown from Fátima Bosch.
A Month of Celebrations and Cultural Activities
The Miss Universe 2026 program extends well beyond the three principal competition events. Delegates began arriving in Puerto Rico around November 8, with official receptions, cultural visits, charitable initiatives, and promotional activities scheduled throughout the month.
Some of the important events include:
- November 11: Official welcome ceremony at Bahía de Aguadilla.
- November 12: Delegate luncheon and meet-and-greet with reigning Miss Universe Fátima Bosch at Plaza Las Américas and Américas Universe Experience.
- November 13: Beauty on the Beach event at Caribe Hilton.
- November 14: “Luz de Esperanza: Universo Rosa,” a charitable event in Ponce.
- November 16–17: Visits and charitable activities, including a program at Parque Forestal La Marquesa and a gift auction at SER de Puerto Rico in Hato Rey.
- November 18: Meet-and-greet with delegates.
- November 20: A charity evening highlighting Alzheimer’s disease and autism awareness.
These activities reflect the pageant’s broader emphasis on social engagement, cultural exchange and community participation.
The overall calendar of events is expected to continue until approximately November 25.
Around 110–120 Contestants Expected to Participate
The 75th edition is expected to feature approximately 110–120 contestants, although the final number may change due to late arrivals, replacements, and withdrawals.
The competition will bring together representatives from countries and territories across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Among the participating countries and territories are:
Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macau, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Réunion, Romania, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Venezuela.
The list includes several interesting developments, including the return of countries such as Cameroon, Germany, Jamaica and Kenya, along with the debuts of Saint Martin and Uganda.
Notable Absences and Withdrawals
The 2026 edition has also witnessed several notable absences.
Six Southeast Asian countries — Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Malaysia — are among those reported to have withdrawn amid franchise and licensing disputes involving JKN Universe and Miss Universe Eastern.
Other reported withdrawals or absences include Angola, Bulgaria, Nepal, Turkey, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Various reasons have been cited, including organizational disagreements, injuries, visa and travel complications, and personal or health-related circumstances.
The participation list remains subject to change as the competition approaches its final stages.
Competition Format and Public Voting
The Miss Universe competition will follow a selection process culminating in the announcement of a Top 30.
Contestants will be assessed through different competitive segments, including swimsuit presentation, evening gown and national costume showcases, alongside the broader evaluation of their communication skills, confidence and overall stage presence.
Public fan voting is also open, allowing audiences to support their favorite contestants in the race for a place in the Top 30.
Special fan-voted awards include:
- Best Evening Gown
- Best Swimsuit
- Best National Costume
These voting opportunities give international fans another way to join the celebrations and support their national representatives.
India at Miss Universe 2026: Meet Kaziah Liz Mejo
India will be represented at the 75th Miss Universe competition by Kaziah Liz Mejo, who made history by becoming the first Miss Universe India titleholder from Kerala.
Born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to a Malayali family originating from Mavelikkara in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, Kaziah brings a blend of international exposure and Indian cultural heritage to the global stage.
She is a law student at Manipal Academy of Higher Education in Bengaluru, a model, and a classically trained dancer.
From Miss Teen Diva to Miss Universe India
Kaziah’s pageant journey began with her participation in the Miss Teen Diva competition.
She won the title of Miss Teen Diva 2024 and also earned the opportunity to represent India as Miss Teen International India. She subsequently secured the first runner-up position at Miss Teen International 2025.
Her international pageantry experience prepared her for the next major milestone in her career.
On August 23, 2026, Kaziah was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 at a ceremony held at Zee Studios in Jaipur. She emerged victorious among approximately 52 contestants and was crowned by her predecessor, Manika Vishwakarma.
Her selection marks an important moment for Kerala, which now has its first representative to hold the Miss Universe India title.
Representing India’s Diversity and Culture
Kaziah has described her selection as a once-in-a-lifetime journey and an opportunity to represent India on an international platform.
Her aspirations extend beyond the competition itself. She hopes to showcase India’s cultural richness, diversity and traditions while highlighting the confidence, aspirations and potential of its younger generation.
As she prepares to compete against representatives from more than 100 countries and territories, she will carry India’s hopes and expectations onto one of the world’s most prominent beauty pageant stages.
The Road to the Miss Universe Crown
With the Diamond Jubilee edition approaching, attention is now turning towards the contestants who will make it through the preliminary rounds and secure a place in the Top 30.
The competition will bring together women from diverse cultural, social and professional backgrounds, each with her own story, ambitions and reasons for representing her country.
For Puerto Rico, hosting the 75th edition is an opportunity to showcase its cultural identity and hospitality before a global audience. For the Miss Universe organization, the occasion represents an important milestone in the pageant’s long history.
For India, all eyes will be on Kaziah Liz Mejo as she seeks to make her mark on the international stage.
Will the reigning Miss Universe, Fátima Bosch of Mexico, crown another Latin American representative, or will the coveted title travel to a different continent this year?
The answer will emerge on November 24, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, when the next Miss Universe is crowned.
The 75th edition promises to be more than a beauty competition. It celebrates 75 years of international pageantry, cultural diversity, individual achievement, and the enduring appeal of a global platform that continues to bring the world together.
Note: This post is based on information available as of November 14, 2026. The final contestant list, event arrangements, broadcast details, and competition schedule may change due to late arrivals, replacements, or organizational announcements.
“A crown that symbolizes a legacy, a stage that unites nations, and 75 years of celebrating women who inspire the world.”
