The road to Miss Universe 2026 has officially begun, with national pageants taking place around the world, and countries choosing the women who will compete for the coveted crown in Puerto Rico.
More than 130 contestants are expected to compete in the 75th Miss Universe pageant, making it one of the largest in the pageant's history. Puerto Rico will host this momentous event at the Coliseum de Puerto Rico in San Juan, bringing together beauty queens from all over the world for one of the most anticipated international events.
More than 130 contestants are expected to compete in the 75th Miss Universe pageant (Variety via Getty Images).
While many national pageants are still scheduled for the coming weeks and months, several countries have already crowned their representatives. Here is a list of the countries that have officially selected their Miss Universe 2026 contestants.
Countries that have already chosen their Miss Universe 2026 beauty queens
As of early August 2026, these countries have completed their national pageants and named their official representatives for the Miss Universe 2026 pageant:
Argentina
Argentina became one of the first countries to crown its representative, holding the national final at the end of May. The newly crowned queen will now prepare for the international competition in Puerto Rico.
Costa Rica
In early June, Costa Rica selected its representative for the Miss Universe 2026 pageant following a competitive national competition that attracted delegates from across the country.
Zimbabwe
In June, Zimbabwe also crowned its national winner, securing another confirmed entry into the international competition.
Myanmar
Myanmar has joined the growing list of countries that have confirmed their participation after hosting a national beauty pageant in June.
Hungary
In June, Hungary officially selected its representative during the national selection stage.
Ireland
In June, Ireland crowned its new queen as preparations for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant continued.
Japan
Japan completed its national selection in June and officially named its representative to Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, the host country, selected its representative in June. The country's representative will enjoy strong local support, performing on home soil during the anniversary, landmark event.
Bonaire
By the end of June, Bonaire had also chosen its representative, adding another confirmed participant to the international roster.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
In early July, the Democratic Republic of Congo crowned its queen, becoming one of the confirmed participants in the celebrations.
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Netherlands
The national beauty contest in the Netherlands has already ended and the official delegate has been chosen.
United Kingdom
In July, the Miss Universe pageant was crowned in the UK.
Malta
Malta also selected its representative following the national competition.
Spain
Spain entered the confirmed list after hosting a national beauty pageant in July.
Brazil
Brazil selected its representative for Miss Universe 2026 during the July pageant, continuing the country's long tradition in the competition.
New Zealand
New Zealand completed the selection process at the end of July, officially naming its representative.
Dominican Republic
At the end of July, the Dominican Republic crowned its queen, becoming one of the last countries to complete the list of its representatives.
Which major countries are still waiting for their queens to be crowned?
Several leading beauty pageant countries have yet to select their representatives for the Miss Universe 2026 competition. Among the most anticipated national pageants still planned are the following:
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United States
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Australia
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Canada
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Guatemala
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Panama
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Ecuador
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Jamaica
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Nigeria
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Norway
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Finland
These countries are expected to complete their selections throughout August and September, after which additional competitions will be scheduled as the official list of Miss Universe participants expands.
Puerto Rico is preparing for a historic graduation.
The Miss Universe 2026 pageant is especially significant as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of this international competition. Organizers expect over 130 contestants, making it one of the largest and most diverse pageants in history.
Miss Puerto Rico Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza reacts after being crowned Miss Universe 2006 in Los Angeles, July 23, 2006. (Hector Mata)
Puerto Rico is no stranger to the Miss Universe world, having hosted the event before and produced numerous winners. The island is expected to welcome contestants, fans, and media representatives from around the world during the celebration.
New queens will be crowned soon.
With dozens of national beauty pageants still to come, the official list of Miss Universe 2026 participants will continue to expand over the next few weeks. Fans can expect new contestants to be announced almost every weekend as countries finalize their representatives for this landmark competition in Puerto Rico.
Preparations for the competition are gaining momentum, and the fight for the crown of the 75th Miss Universe is just beginning.