The Miss Universe 2026 Favorites: Strongest Contenders and Most Stylish Queens

The Miss Universe 2026 delegates have officially arrived in Puerto Rico, marking the start of the 75th edition of Miss Universe. With candidates from around the world bringing their own stories to the competition, the spotlight is already on those making a strong first impression.

From fashion statements that celebrate cultural heritage to impressive backgrounds and meaningful advocacies, here are seven of the strongest and most stylish candidates we have our eyes on as the race for the crown heats up.

Bea Millan Windorski is making a strong case for the crown with a combination of thoughtful fashion and purpose-driven storytelling. Her environmental advocacy focuses on marine conservation, particularly sea turtle protection and coastal preservation through her work with Project CURMA. Fashion is another part of her Miss Universe story. For her international campaign, she is bringing creations by Filipino designers, including archival pieces by Rajo Laurel that celebrate the country’s diverse textiles, landscapes, and craftsmanship. Her yellow inabel-inspired airport look, complete with a sea turtle detail, offered an early glimpse of what to expect.

Pageantry runs in Clara Vegas Goetz’s family. The daughter of former Miss Venezuela Andreína Goetz, who won the national title in 1990, Clara is continuing a family legacy on the international stage. But she is also carving out her own identity. The 24-year-old has been involved in humanitarian efforts following the June earthquakes in Venezuela, helping bring attention to affected communities and relief organizations. Her fashion credentials are equally notable. She was selected to open designer Raúl Peñaranda’s collection at New York Fashion Week, giving her a taste of the international fashion spotlight ahead of Miss Universe.

A journalist, model, and actress, Dominga López brings a multifaceted background to the competition. The Viña del Mar native has more than eight years of modeling experience and has also appeared in music videos and live performances. Beyond the runway, she champions self-confidence and anti-bullying through her initiative, “Atrévete a ser Tú” (Dare to Be Yourself), inspired by her own experiences with bullying. Her mix of communication skills, performance experience, and fashion industry exposure makes her a compelling contender.

With an international modeling career and an impressive academic background, Garance Authié embodies a modern take on French elegance. The 22-year-old has worked as a model while completing a Master in Management at London Business School. She also supports Plan International France, advocating for girls’ education and rights. A longtime presence in fashion, having walked her first runway at just nine, Garance brings natural familiarity with the industry. Her appearance in a Michael Cinco evening gown during the French national competition further underscored her affinity for high-fashion glamour.

Georgia Waddington is bringing entrepreneurial spirit and a strong sense of purpose to Miss Universe. The Christchurch native runs her own social media marketing business, with clients beyond New Zealand, while championing breast cancer awareness through the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and Pink Ribbon. She raised more than NZ$9,630 for the cause through a charity event. Her pageant experience has also translated into impressive stage credentials. During Miss Universe New Zealand, she earned several special awards, including Best in Swimwear, Best in Evening Wear, and Miss Photogenic.

For host delegate Jennifer Barreto, the Miss Universe stage is an opportunity to put service and cultural pride in the spotlight. A trained social worker with graduate degrees in psychology and social work, she has professional experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and child abuse, as well as working on suicide prevention and community welfare. Her national costume, “Moriviví: Renacer Borincano,” designed by Puerto Rican creative Joshuan Aponte, draws inspiration from the island’s sensitive plant, known for folding its leaves as a form of protection. It is a fitting symbol of resilience and Puerto Rican identity.

Experience is one of María Alejandra López Pérez’s greatest advantages. At 32, the industrial engineer and seasoned pageant competitor has spent more than a decade on the international circuit, earning titles including Reina Hispanoamericana 2013 and Miss Mundo Colombia 2015. She also placed as first runner-up at Miss Universe Colombia in 2021 before returning to claim the national crown this year. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, she combines professional discipline with extensive stage experience. One of her standout fashion moments came upon arriving in Puerto Rico in a blue ensemble topped with a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Puerto Rican pava hat—a thoughtful tribute to the host country’s heritage.

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