The road to the Miss Universe crown is usually filled with glamour, excitement and fierce competition. But the 2026 edition is facing an unusual challenge even before the grand finale. Several countries will be missing from the competition in Puerto Rico, with visa complications, withdrawals and a major franchise dispute affecting the lineup. The developments have put the spotlight on the challenges surrounding this year’s 75th edition.
Visa Issues And Withdrawals Affect Miss Universe 2026
Miss Universe 2026 began its activities in Puerto Rico with several expected contestants unable to make it to the competition. Some withdrawals were linked to personal circumstances and health concerns, while others faced difficulties securing travel documents.
Zambia’s representative, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, will not compete after efforts to obtain a US visa proved unsuccessful. Zimbabwe’s Roseanna Hall was also dealing with visa uncertainty after missing her scheduled departure.
Nepal’s representative, Prayashna Gurung, announced that she would miss this year’s competition because of visa-related difficulties. She indicated that she would look forward to another opportunity at the 2027 edition.
There were also withdrawals for reasons unrelated to visas. Bulgaria’s Ana-Maria Babau was forced to step away after suffering injuries in a car accident. Austria’s Victoria Amerson announced her decision to withdraw, citing the need to prioritise her mental and physical well-being. Saint Martin’s Madly Marian also pulled out of the competition.
Six Southeast Asian Countries Hit By Franchise Dispute
One of the biggest developments involves six Southeast Asian countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Laos. Their representatives will not participate following a disagreement over the national franchise agreements. The dispute involves JKN Universe LLC, which holds the Miss Universe brand rights, and Miss Universe Eastern, associated with Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil.
JKN Universe LLC questioned the validity of the franchise arrangements for these six territories. It maintained that the agreements were not authorised under its licensing framework and declared the contestants ineligible for the 75th competition.
However, Miss Universe Eastern and organisations associated with Itsaragrisil disputed that position, maintaining that the franchise rights were lawfully obtained. The disagreement has left the six national titleholders out of this year’s international event. The decision has been particularly disappointing for contestants who had already spent months preparing for the competition.
When Is The Miss Universe 2026 Grand Finale?
Despite the withdrawals and ongoing dispute, the Miss Universe Organisation is proceeding with the 75th edition in Puerto Rico. The organisation had earlier announced that up to 120 delegates were expected to compete. The National Costume Competition is scheduled for November 21, followed by the preliminary competition on November 22. The grand finale will take place on November 24 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan. The reigning Miss Universe, Fátima Bosch, will crown her successor during the finale.
A Challenging Edition For Miss Universe
The 2026 edition was expected to be a landmark celebration of Miss Universe’s 75-year journey. However, the combination of visa hurdles, individual withdrawals and disagreements over franchise rights has changed the competition’s lineup.
While the pageant will go ahead in Puerto Rico, the absence of several national representatives has added an unexpected chapter to this year’s contest. The focus now shifts to the contestants who have made it to the island and their journey towards the crown.
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