The Miss Universe 2026 competition is already facing a wave of withdrawals, even as contestants arrive in Puerto Rico for the 75th edition of the international beauty pageant. While some participants have
stepped away for personal or health-related reasons, others will be unable to compete because of visa hurdles and disputes involving the pageant’s national franchises.
The finale is scheduled to take place at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. But the build-up to the event has been marked by uncertainty, with several countries missing from this year’s line-up.
Six Asian Countries Barred From Miss Universe 2026
One of the biggest developments ahead of the pageant involves six Asian countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Malaysia. Their contestants will not be allowed to compete in the 75th edition because of corporate and franchise-related disputes.
Despite being barred from the international competition, the contestants will retain their national titles. Vietnam’s absence is particularly notable as the country is scheduled to host the 76th edition of Miss Universe next year.
Visa Issues Keep Five Countries Out Of The Competition
Visa-related complications and restrictions have also affected participation. Nepal, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Republic of the Congo will not be represented at this year’s pageant because of visa issues or US visa restrictions.
These withdrawals add to the uncertainty surrounding the competition, which has already seen several contestants announce their departures for personal and other reasons.
Miss Universe Austria Victoria Amerson Steps Down
Miss Universe Austria Victoria Amerson announced her withdrawal through an Instagram post, explaining that the decision came after considering several factors, including her personal values and well-being. “There were multiple factors that led to this decision, but mainly I must remain true to myself and my own values and protect mental and physical health,” she mentioned in the caption. Reflecting on her experience, Amerson said the journey had helped her discover new directions and understand what she was willing to accept and what she was not.
“The road ahead is beautiful and strong and full of pure light and less darkness. While I may not have the sash and crown, I have my strength and what I created for myself before the title came and that makes me a queen,” she concluded.
Car Accident Forces Miss Universe Bulgaria Ana-Maria To Withdraw
Miss Universe Bulgaria Ana-Maria will also miss the competition after being involved in a car accident. The national organisation confirmed that her physical condition would not allow her to participate in the upcoming finals. “Due to a car crash, our radiant Miss Universe Bulgaria, Ana-Maria, is currently not in a physical condition that would allow her to participate in the upcoming finals.” The organisers said her recovery and safety were their priority, adding, “For us, the health, safety, and full recovery of our titleholders stand above any title, crown, or pageant.”
Miss Universe Saint Martin Contestant Cites Personal Reasons
Madly Marian, representing Saint Martin, has announced that she is stepping away from the Miss Universe journey for personal reasons. “After careful consideration and with a great deal of emotion, I would like to announce my decision to withdraw from my Miss Universe Journey.” Explaining her decision, she added, “This decision, motivated by personal reasons, was not an easy one to make. I embraced this opportunity with immense gratitude and enthusiasm, fully aware of the significance and beauty of the experience that lay ahead.”
Maldives And Morocco Also Withdraw
Miss Universe Maldives Aminath Yuin Mohamed has also withdrawn from the international competition, although she has not publicly shared the reason for her decision. Miss Universe Morocco Sara Allali has likewise pulled out, with no reason disclosed so far. With franchise disputes, visa restrictions, health concerns and personal decisions affecting participation, the 75th Miss Universe competition is heading into its finale amid a series of unexpected exits.
