The journey to the Miss Universe 2026 crown has begun. As Puerto Rico gets ready to welcome in November the representatives from all over the world for the 75th edition of the pageant, countries across the globe are starting to choose their queens in the search for Fátima Bosch‘s successor. As every year, Latin power is front and center, and the list of contestants hoping to keep the Diamond Edition crown in the Spanish-speaking world is slowly taking shape.
Miss Universe 2025: Winner, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up revealed (@ LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA)
As dreams are built toward November 24th, the date of the grand finale at the Coliseo de San Juan, excitement can be felt in every corner of Latin America. Countries like Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela already have their representatives ready to shine, while others are putting the final touches on their national selections. Expectations are growing and all eyes are on these women who embody beauty, talent, and cultural pride.
Miss Universe delegates celebrating and congratulating 74th Miss Universe Fatima Bosch after crowned by Reigning Miss Universe Victoria during final competition at Impact Challenger Hall on November 21, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand (@ Mohan Raj)
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The Latinas competing for the Miss Universe 2026 crownTamara Rogouski – Miss Universe Argentina
At 28, this native of Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, dazzles with a story that combines glamour and perseverance. She has a degree in Marketing, is an ontological coach, and has modeled since her teen years. She made history as the first mom to win the national title, breaking barriers and proving that motherhood and dreams can go hand in hand. She was crowned at the Teatro Metropolitan in Buenos Aires, where she also took home the awards for Best Face and Best Evening Gown. Her daughter, Sophi, is her greatest inspiration.
Valeria Mena – Miss Universe Bolivia
Her crowning has been described as a modern fairy tale that unfolded at the Salón Sirionó at Fexpocruz, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. At just 23, this young woman from Oruro charmed the judges and the audience with her elegant presence and natural charisma, becoming the first representative from Oruro to win the title in nearly six decades. Valeria also earned the titles of “Most Beautiful Face” and “Miss Tourism.” On social media, she shares behind-the-scenes moments as she prepares for Puerto Rico, from training sessions and photo shoots to sweet nods to the rich folklore of her home region.
Marcella Kozinski – Miss Universe Brazil
She captured the national crown representing the paradise-like Ilha do Mel, with an elegant presence and a story of resilience that touched everyone. At 26, this model, entrepreneur, and influencer stole the show at the gala in São Paulo, where she shined with her modern, sophisticated style. Her message after winning, “Dreams never get old and I am living proof of that,” sums up the strength of a journey marked by discipline and overcoming adversity.
Dominga López – Miss Universe Chile
The 24-year-old journalist from Viña del Mar captured the national crown on August 2 in Santiago with a mix of elegance, intelligence, and charisma. Her answer about the right to choose motherhood and the “Escucha su corazón” (Listen to Your Heart) bill was considered one of the strongest of the night, catapulting her to victory over more than 20 contestants. Dominga studied social communication, theater, and acting, and has also stood out in fashion campaigns and artistic collaborations with urban artist Kidd Voodoo.
Dominga López – Miss Universe Chile
María Alejandra Acosta – Miss Universe Costa Rica
This 27-year-old from Alajuela has made a name for herself as a model and communicator, and is also a passionate advocate for Costa Rican art and culture. Her victory was celebrated as a milestone, as she became the first representative from her province to earn the title. She did it with an elegant bearing, confident public speaking, and a charisma that captivated both the judges and the audience.
Mia Dio – Miss Universe Cuba
At 25, Mia Angelina Donadio Cancio, known online as Mia Dio, has become a strong, passionate voice determined to make her way while honoring her family roots, marked by the fight for a free Cuba. With a vibrant personality and a clear vision of her goals, she has built her own space where she blends authenticity and determination to inspire those who follow her. Her ever-growing community of fans is proof of the impact she has and the support that encourages her to keep sharing her ideals with strength and conviction.
Mia Dio (@ IG: @miiadio / @michelmelian_official)
Dalia Bucaram – Miss Universe Ecuador
At 21, Ecuador’s representative is a Psychology student at Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo and won the title in her very first beauty pageant. Dalia is the daughter of TV host Gabriela Pazmiño and politician Dalo Bucaram, and the granddaughter of former president Abdalá Bucaram Ortiz. She combines her modeling career with social projects like Vita Nova, focused on the mental health of children and young people.
Sofía Córdova – Miss Universe El Salvador
At 25, this communications graduate and model has stood out for her charisma on the runway and her message of female empowerment. Sofía represents a generation determined to show the world the strength and authenticity of Salvadoran women.
María Adelina Castillo – Miss Universe Guatemala
At 30 and standing 1.82 meters tall (about 5’11”), she represented the department of Sacatepéquez and stood out for her elegance, confidence, and academic preparation. Now she sets her sights on the Miss Universe 2026 crown. Adelina is a general practitioner who graduated cum laude, a pediatric specialist also with honors, and is currently completing a subspecialty in pediatric intensive care. She speaks three languages, Spanish, English, and Greek, and loves reading and painting.
María Vargas – Miss Universe Mexico
With an elegant presence and a platform centered on resilience and women’s empowerment, this young woman from Zapopan, Jalisco, won over the judges and the audience on a night that marked a new chapter for Mexico’s representation on the international stage. María was crowned by her fellow Mexican, Fátima Bosch, who encouraged the other contestants to congratulate her after she received the crown.
María Vargas is the new Miss Universe Mexico 2026 (@ @missuniverse.mexico)
Jazmine Chola – Miss Universe Nicaragua
Jazmine Chola is a young woman from the Southern Caribbean region who has already stood out in international modeling and is now beginning her preparation to represent her country at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico. Her win marks a new stage for the national pageant, with a goal of showcasing the cultural diversity and strength of Nicaraguan women on one of the most important stages in the world.
Jazmine Chola – Miss Universe Nicaragua
Gabriela González – Miss Universe Panama
Gabriela, just 20 years old and an impressive 1.83 meters tall (about 6 feet), is a medical student at the University of Panama. Her charisma, confidence, and eloquence were key to winning over the judges and the crowd. Beyond her physical beauty, her real strength lay in the clarity of her message about women’s empowerment and sustainability—values that set her apart and gave her an edge over the other contestants.
Gretha Matiauda – Miss Universe Paraguay
Gretha stunned with her elegant bearing and a powerful speech that honored the historic role of Paraguayan women: “We are daughters of the residentas who lifted an entire nation.” At just 24, this model and singer from Asunción, an Economics student and polyglot, became the undisputed star of the night, standing out among the contestants with looks that blended sophistication and cultural roots.
Luren Márquez – Miss Universe Peru
This 27-year-old from Ica captured the national crown in April at the Teatro Municipal del Callao with a combination of elegance, academic preparation, and charisma. A business administrator and communications professional specializing in digital marketing, she has worked as a model and TV host for Univision and Telemundo, and has walked international runways for designers like Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada and Giannina Azar.
Luren Márquez – Miss Universe Perú
Jennifer Barreto – Miss Universe Puerto Rico
At 27, this San Sebastián native is on her way to competing on home soil. A prevention specialist for the United States Department of Defense with two master’s degrees, in Psychology and Clinical Social Work, she has broken molds as a queen who is also a mom to 7-year-old Penélope, successfully balancing motherhood and her reign.
Jennifer Barreto – Miss Universe Puerto Rico
Melissa Núñez – Miss Dominican Republic
At 25, with a solid background as a model and communicator, Melissa stood out for her elegant presence, confident public speaking, and a charisma that won over both the judges and the audience.
Melissa Núñez – Miss República Dominicana
Lucía Piñeyro – Miss Universe Uruguay
A model and law student from Montevideo, she has stood out for her elegant presence, firm voice, and a charisma that captivated both the judges and the public. At 33, she dazzled at her crowning ceremony in gowns that blended modernity with Uruguayan tradition.
Clara Vegas – Miss Universe Venezuela
Clara Vegas has already made history as the national titleholder, becoming the first Miss Venezuela whose mom also held the crown, her mother, Andreína Goetz, won in 1990. At just 24 and standing 1.85 meters tall (about 6’1”), Clara lit up the gala with an elegant bearing that promises to be one of the standout presences at the final in Puerto Rico, backed by a commanding stage presence shaped by her acting studies in Los Angeles and Cardiff.