kick off

Miss Universe 2026: Puerto Rico welcomes the contestants as they arrive for pageant week


The contestants are beginning to arrive on the island ahead of the November 24 grand finale


NOVEMBER 6, 2026 5:51 PM EST

The countdown to Miss Universe 2026 is officially on, and Puerto Rico is rolling out the red carpet to welcome the most beautiful women on the planet. In this historic “Diamond” edition, marking the 75th anniversary of the pageant, the Island of Enchantment opens its doors to candidates from all over the world.

They have already started arriving at the host city to kick off pageant week on November 8, with an official welcome on November 11 at Aguadilla Bay. Excited and full of anticipation, the contestants will be able to bond with their fellow queens, immerse themselves in other cultures, and discover the history and beauty of the island.

Miss Puerto Rico 2026© Miss Universe
Miss Puerto Rico 2026

Beyond the unforgettable moments that will shape their personal journeys, each delegate will aim to stand out before the panel of judges, proving that, in addition to their physical beauty, they are deeply committed to their social causes and bring preparation, charisma, and eloquence to the Miss Universe stage.

Queens already in Puerto Rico for Miss Universe 2026

The Puerto Rican beauty queen gets to welcome her competitors on home soil while introducing them to the culture she will represent on the Miss Universe stage.© Gobierno de Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rican beauty queen gets to welcome her competitors on home soil while introducing them to the culture she will represent on the Miss Universe stage.

Dominga López – Miss Universe Chile

The stunning Chilean representative has already arrived in Puerto Rico, ready to begin the final stretch of the competition.

Luren Márquez – Miss Universe Peru

After being dethroned and then reinstated in less than 24 hours, Luren is more than ready to show her full potential at Miss Universe.

Dalia Bucaram – Miss Universe Ecuador

Thrilled to represent her country, Dalia set off for Puerto Rico this week.

Kaziah Liz Mejo – Miss Universe India

“Full of tradition, crowned with pride, Kaziah Liz Mejo, Miss Universe India 2026, begins her journey to Puerto Rico to represent India at the 75th Miss Universe. 👑🇵🇷” reads a post on social media.

Mariale Acosta – Miss Universe Costa Rica

Hundreds of people gathered at the airport to wish Mariale the very best ahead of the Miss Universe final.

María Alejandra López Pérez – Miss Universe Colombia

After an emotional send-off surrounded by her loved ones, María Alejandra arrived in Puerto Rico to get settled in before pageant week officially begins.

Fie Rose – Miss Universe Denmark

“She’s traveling early to make sure she has the best possible preparation before the Miss Universe competition,” her team shared on social media.

Misbah Arshad – Miss Universe Pakistan

“I’m about to embark on the journey I always dreamed of. Today, I just want to remind myself to be grateful. I want to wake up every morning and be so happy and thankful to be exactly where I always wanted and was meant to be. Over the next few days I’m not just going to be Misbah, I’ll be called Pakistan. 💖 💖” she told her followers.

Caroline Porras – Miss Universe Bonaire

The beautiful representative set off for Puerto Rico full of hope and determined to bring the crown home.

Olivia Vasilopoulos – Miss Universe Greece

“It still feels surreal to be here, representing my beautiful Greece at Miss Universe 🇬🇷✨,” she said on her first day in Puerto Rico.

Luisa Pineda – Miss Universe Honduras

“Happy, grateful and with my heart full of satisfaction! ❤️” said the gorgeous representative, who mistakenly referenced Ecuador in her message. “What a privilege to be able to work with people who inspire me, who believe in my talent and who motivate me to always give my best,” she added.

Olga Lombardo – Miss Universe Belgium

With hugs and well wishes from her loved ones, Olga boarded her flight to Puerto Rico, where this incredible dream continues. She will also be taking part in a five-kilometer race during her stay.

Georgia Waddington – Miss Universe New Zealand

With her luggage packed, her country’s flag in hand, and a heart full of excitement, Georgia is ready for this new adventure.

May Grace Parry – Miss Universe Myanmar

“I may be the one wearing the Myanmar sash, but the strength behind it belongs to all of us. As I head toward the universe, I carry your love with me. And wherever this journey takes me, I hope to carry that love forward,” she shared.

Jasmine Blandford – Miss Universe Nicaragua

“I’m taking every show of affection with me, and I promise I will give my absolute best,” she said to her nation.

Bea Millan-Windorski – Miss Universe Philippines

“Grateful to be starting this next chapter feeling cared for and ready for what’s to come. 🇵🇭👑” she wrote before boarding the flights that will take her to her final destination.

Anna Nikonova – Miss Universe Ukraine

“I am incredibly proud to be able to carry our flag and show the world the strength, beauty, and unbreakable spirit of Ukrainian women,” she posted alongside several airport photos.

Aliya Korotkaya – Miss Universe Belarus

“Behind every important moment there is not just one person, but a whole team of hearts. 💘 I’m off to write a new chapter, taking your warmth and love with me!” she expressed.

Danielle Yablonka – Miss Universe Israel

“I carry with me the pride of my country, the strength of my people and the responsibility of representing something much bigger than myself. I’m so excited to meet the local Puerto Rican Jewish community this Shabbat before heading to Miss Universe!!!” she said, thrilled about this experience.

Alina Ree – Miss Universe Kazakhstan

The model is on her way to Puerto Rico to make sure she brings her very best self to the pageant.

Jean Ojiro – Miss Universe Kenya

With a set of pink suitcases and a sky-blue travel look, the beauty queen began her journey to the island.

Caity Worthington – Miss Universe Australia

“It’s funny looking back at the woman who started this journey just a couple of months ago and everything that’s happened since. There have been some incredibly full days, some emotional ones, many learning curves and more than a few moments where I’ve had to pinch myself,” she reflected before leaving.

Than Rthna – Miss Universe Cambodia

“I’m ready to give my all and carry Cambodia with me on the Miss Universe stage. 🇰🇭” she said after her farewell, before embarking on a long trip that included a stopover in Dubai.

Jennifer Barreto – Miss Universe Puerto Rico

The host delegate of this edition has traveled from her hometown of Mayagüez to San Juan, where the Miss Universe grand finale will take place. Jennifer has her eye on a sixth crown for Puerto Rico.

Valeria Mena – Miss Universe Bolivia

Surrounded by the love of her fellow Bolivians, Valeria said goodbye to Bolivia and headed to Puerto Rico with poise, elegance, and big dreams.

Georgina Kambongo – Miss Universe Congo

Sharing every step of this journey with her fans makes Georgina even more excited to arrive and discover Puerto Rico.

Key dates for Miss Universe 2026

The Miss Universe 2026 coronation will take place on November 24 at the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. Before the big night, the contestants begin arriving for pageant week on November 8, with an official welcome on the 11th. They will also have two key events on their official agenda. The National Costume Show is scheduled for November 21, where each candidate will showcase a one-of-a-kind creation inspired by the culture, traditions, and identity of her country.

The early arrivals offer pageant fans a preview of what is coming when Puerto Rico welcomes the wider field of international delegates for Miss Universe© Gobierno de Puerto Rico
The early arrivals offer pageant fans a preview of what is coming when Puerto Rico welcomes the wider field of international delegates for Miss Universe

The Preliminary Competition will be held on November 22, where the delegates will walk in swimwear and evening gowns, hoping to secure a coveted spot in the semifinals. Blending overall beauty, intelligence, and elegance, only one of the 120 candidates will be crowned the successor to Fátima Bosch, the reigning Miss Universe.