Guatemala has crowned its new queen, and the woman heading to Miss Universe 2026 brings an impressive résumé to the international stage.
María Adelina Castillo Birba, representing Sacatepéquez, was crowned Miss Universe Guatemala 2026 during the national pageant held on August 8 at Parque de la Industria in Guatemala City. Castillo emerged as the winner after competing against 26 other contestants for the opportunity to represent Guatemala internationally.
But the new titleholder is bringing much more than pageant experience to the crown. Castillo is a 30-year-old physician specializing in pediatrics who is continuing her medical education in pediatric intensive care. She is also multilingual, speaking Spanish, English and Greek.
Her combination of medicine, education and pageantry immediately makes her one of Guatemala's most intriguing recent representatives.
Who Is Miss Universe Guatemala 2026 Winner María Adelina Castillo?
María Adelina Castillo Birba represented the department of Sacatepéquez at Miss Universe Guatemala 2026.
According to Guatemala.com, Castillo studied medicine at Universidad Francisco Marroquín and graduated as a general physician with cum laude distinction. She later specialized in pediatrics at Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, again earning cum laude honors.
Her medical career has not stopped there.
Castillo is pursuing further training in pediatric intensive care, an area focused on treating critically ill children. Her professional background gives her a particularly distinctive platform as she prepares to move from Guatemala's national competition to Miss Universe.
Castillo is also reported to be 1.82 meters tall, or approximately 5 feet 11.7 inches. Outside medicine, her interests include reading and painting.
María Adelina Castillo Speaks Three Languages
Another detail attracting attention around the new Miss Universe Guatemala winner is her multilingual background.
Castillo speaks Spanish, English and Greek, according to profiles published following her victory.
That skill could become especially useful during Miss Universe, where contestants participate in interviews, media appearances and activities alongside representatives from around the world.
Combined with her medical training, Castillo enters the international competition with a background that extends well beyond traditional pageantry.
How María Adelina Castillo Won Miss Universe Guatemala 2026
The Miss Universe Guatemala 2026 competition began with 27 candidates representing departments, cities and communities across Guatemala, including a Guatemala in USA representative.
During the August 8 final, contestants participated in multiple stages of competition, including swimsuit and evening gown presentations.
The field was eventually reduced to 15 semifinalists before seven women moved into the final stage. Those finalists represented El Progreso, Guatemala in USA, Antigua Guatemala, Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, Zacapa and Huehuetenango, as reported by Prensa Libre.
A final question round tested the contestants' communication skills and ability to respond onstage. Castillo's performance ultimately secured the crown.
She received the Miss Universe Guatemala title from outgoing queen Raschel Alexandra Paz Archila, who represented Guatemala at Miss Universe 2025 and reached the Top 30 at the international competition.
© Getty ImagesThe 2026 victory also made Castillo the 55th queen in the history of the national pageant.
Who Were the Miss Universe Guatemala 2026 Finalists?
Castillo took the crown, but several contestants finished near the top of the competition.
Carlota Vanegas of Antigua Guatemala was named first finalist, followed by Debbie Ruiz of Guatemala in USA as second finalist. Yaquelin España of El Progreso finished as third finalist, while Thelma Girón of Chimaltenango, María Rossal of Zacapa and Ana De León of Huehuetenango rounded out the finalists.
The diverse group emerged from one of the more inclusive editions of the national competition.
Before the final, organizers had introduced a field that included married women, contestants over 40, a representative from the deaf community and a Guatemala in USA delegate.
Fátima Bosch Attended the Miss Universe Guatemala 2026 Final
The coronation also had some international star power.
Reigning Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch of Mexico attended the Miss Universe Guatemala 2026 gala while visiting the country as part of an official trip.
© Miss UniverseBosch arrived in Guatemala on August 5 for a schedule that included cultural and social activities as well as pageant-related appearances.
María Adelina Castillo Is Heading to Miss Universe 2026
Winning the national crown means Castillo now has another major challenge ahead.
She will represent Guatemala at the 75th Miss Universe competition, scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November 2026. The international final is scheduled for November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.
© LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHAThe National Costume Show is scheduled for November 21, followed by the preliminary competition on November 22 and the Miss Universe final on November 24.
For Castillo, the months between her August coronation and the international pageant will provide a relatively short preparation window.
Her professional experience may prove valuable. Years of medical education and clinical training require discipline, communication skills and the ability to perform in demanding environments, qualities that can translate naturally to the interview and public-facing portions of an international pageant.
A Pediatrician With a Miss Universe Crown
Castillo's victory also reflects how the profiles of modern pageant contestants continue to expand.
Miss Universe has evolved considerably in recent years, including changes that opened eligibility to married women and mothers. National competitions have increasingly highlighted contestants' careers, education, advocacy and personal experiences alongside their performance onstage.
Castillo fits comfortably into that changing landscape.
Her next chapter will unfold in Puerto Rico, where she will attempt to turn her national victory into an even bigger Miss Universe moment.
