Miss Universe Argentina is making a major last-minute change to its 2026 lineup. Tamara Rogouski, who was crowned Miss Universe Argentina 2026 in May, will no longer represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico. Instead, first runner-up Daiana Pereyra will step into the role, giving her just over two months to prepare for the international stage.
The Miss Universe Argentina organization announced the change in September, saying Rogouski would not compete because of “personal matters” and because the decision was in her best interests. No more specific explanation was provided.
© Miss Universe ArgentinaThe timing has drawn particular attention. The Miss Universe 2026 final is scheduled for November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. The 75th-anniversary edition is expected to bring together representatives from more than 130 countries and territories.
Why Tamara Rogouski is no longer Miss Universe Argentina 2026
Rogouski's road to Miss Universe began only a few months ago. The 28-year-old from Misiones was crowned Miss Universe Argentina on May 25 at the Teatro Metropolitan in Buenos Aires after competing against 31 other contestants. Her win earned her the opportunity to represent Argentina at the international competition in Puerto Rico.
© Miss Universe ArgentinaAt the time of her victory, Rogouski spoke openly about what the moment meant to her. “I'm experiencing all the emotions at once. I almost have no words,” she said after winning, according to local coverage. She described the victory as an “immense honor” and credited the work, dedication and commitment that went into reaching the national crown.
Rogouski, who is also a marketing graduate and ontological coach, made history as the first mother to win the Miss Universe Argentina title. She has a daughter named Sophi, as reported by LA NACION.
© Miss Universe ArgentinaHer Miss Universe journey, however, ended before she reached Puerto Rico.
Some reports and social media posts have circulated speculation about why she withdrew, including an unconfirmed pregnancy rumor. Rogouski has not confirmed that claim, and the Miss Universe Argentina organization has not cited pregnancy as the reason for the change.
Miss Universe Argentina's full statement
© Miss Universe ArgentinaThe organization released a lengthy statement confirming Rogouski's departure and Pereyra's appointment. “The Miss Universe Argentina Organization announces that, due to personal matters and because it is in her best interests, Tamara Rogouski, Miss Universe Argentina 2026, will not participate in the 75th edition of Miss Universe, which will take place during the month of November in Puerto Rico,” they began.
Adding: “In light of this situation, and in accordance with the official ranking of the national competition, Daiana Pereira, first runner-up of Miss Universe Argentina 2026, will assume the representation of our country at the international competition. We want to express all our affection, support and gratitude to Tamara at this time. We send her tremendous strength and our best wishes, accompanying her with respect and affection throughout this process.
Starting today, a new challenge begins for Argentina. We invite everyone to give their support to Daiana Pereira, who will take on this important responsibility with commitment, pride and the firm determination to uphold the name of our country at Miss Universe. All our support for Tamara and all our strength for Daiana on this new journey.”
Who is Daiana Pereyra, the new Miss Universe Argentina?
Pereyra, 28, was the first runner-up at Miss Universe Argentina 2026, putting her next in line when Rogouski withdrew.
Born in Posadas, Misiones, Pereyra later moved with her family to Santa Rosa de Calamuchita in Córdoba. She has previous pageant experience, including competing at Miss Universe Argentina in 2023 and representing Argentina internationally. She also works as a flight attendant, according to Radio Cataratas.
Her promotion to the national title came suddenly. “I'm still in shock,” Pereyra wrote after learning she would become Argentina's representative. She said she was still processing what had happened and wanted to give proper attention to the messages she was receiving.
Pereyra also made it clear that she was not treating Rogouski's departure as a celebratory moment. Addressing her predecessor directly, she wrote, “I know how much this dream means and how much you longed to live it.” She added that she intended to give everything for Rogouski, Misiones and the dream they shared as Argentinians.
She closed her message with a striking promise: “Because this time I'm not going alone. I'm going for both of us.”
Fans question the lack of details about Tamara Rogouski's exit
While many supporters have sent encouraging messages to both women, the limited explanation surrounding Rogouski's departure has also generated questions.
One fan criticized what they viewed as a lack of transparency and asked the organization to give supporters a clearer explanation: “A lack of transparency and respect for the public that loves her, got excited about her and placed its trust in this woman. Speak clearly and stop with the politically correct statements. Tell things as they are and stop dressing up such important decisions. Is there no money? Did she get sick? Did she become discouraged? A change of plans to go to another pageant? Did her dog die? Ultimately, what is the reason behind this decision? I'm tired of these organizations always hiding the truth.”
Another supporter called for someone connected to the organization to speak publicly while emphasizing how strongly fans had rallied behind Rogouski. “Someone please say something or come out and speak! So many people supported Tami. We understand that a thousand things could have happened, but I think the people who were always supporting her, commenting and even went to the coronation deserve at least a few words from the director about what happened,” the person said.
“And Tami, whatever happened, we're with you with all our hearts. Hopefully you'll come back another year. Millions of Argentinians got involved in this because of you and were there supporting you until the end. We love you,” a third added.
When is Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico?
The Miss Universe 2026 final will take place on November 24, 2026, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, commonly known as the Choliseo, in San Juan. It marks the 75th anniversary of the international pageant and the return of Miss Universe to Puerto Rico as host after more than two decades.
© Thai News Pix/LightRocket via GeThat leaves Pereyra with a compressed preparation period before representing Argentina on one of pageantry's biggest stages.
