The Miss Universe 2026 competition is underway in Puerto Rico, but not every country has a representative taking part this year. Several contestants have pulled out, while others have been unable to participate because of visa problems or disputes over pageant franchise rights.

Some contestants have withdrawn for personal reasons, while others have cited health concerns. A dispute over national franchise rights has also affected six Southeast Asian countries. Here’s what we know about the countries and contestants missing from this year’s competition.

Why Are Countries Missing From Miss Universe 2026?

There isn’t just one reason behind the absences from Miss Universe 2026. Some contestants couldn’t get the US visas they needed to travel to Puerto Rico. Others decided to leave because of personal or health concerns. A dispute over who has the right to grant national franchise licenses and send contestants to Miss Universe has also affected six Southeast Asian countries.

Reports have put the number of countries missing from the competition at 15 or more, although the exact total varies across news outlets and depends on how withdrawals and franchise-related exclusions are counted.

Which Six Asian Countries Cannot Compete in Miss Universe 2026?

Six Southeast Asian countries are set to miss this year’s Miss Universe pageant because of a dispute over franchise and licensing rights. The countries are:

• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Laos
• Singapore
• Malaysia

The issue is about who has the legal authority to grant national franchise licenses, organize Miss Universe competitions in these countries, and select their representatives.

On September 18, 2026, JKN Universe LLC, which holds the rights to license the Miss Universe brand, issued a statement saying that certain franchise agreements were unauthorized and legally invalid. It said that contestants representing these six countries would not be eligible to participate in the 75th Miss Universe competition.

However, the franchise dispute involves competing claims over licensing authority. MU East has maintained that it has contractual rights concerning the appointment of national franchise partners. The disagreement has created uncertainty over who has the authority to select and send contestants to the international pageant.

The national titleholders are expected to retain the titles they won in their respective countries, even though their participation in the international competition has been affected. Vietnam is also reportedly set to host Miss Universe 2027.

Which Countries Are Facing Visa Problems?

Visa-related restrictions and difficulties have prevented some contestants from traveling to Puerto Rico. According to reports, contestants from Nepal, Angola, Zambia and the Republic of the Congo have faced difficulties obtaining US visas or other necessary travel authorizations.

Miss Universe Nepal Prayashna Gurung was among the contestants reported to have faced difficulties completing the visa process. However, detailed independent confirmation of her individual visa case remains limited.

In Zambia, organizers confirmed that Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka would miss the competition after efforts to secure a US visa failed. Zimbabwe has also faced visa issues, but its contestant’s participation remains uncertain. Roseanna Hall was reportedly still trying to secure a US visa after missing her scheduled departure For these contestants, missing the event means losing the chance to compete after spending months preparing for it.

Why Did Miss Universe Austria, Bulgaria and Saint Martin Withdraw?

Three contestants have also decided not to continue in the competition. Each has a different reason.

Miss Universe Austria

Victoria Amerson, who represents Austria, shared her decision to withdraw on Instagram. She said several things led to her decision, but protecting her mental and physical health was a major factor. She also wanted to stay true to her personal values.

Miss Universe Bulgaria

Miss Universe Bulgaria Ana-Maria Babau withdrew after being involved in a car accident. Her national organization said she was not physically fit to participate in the upcoming competition. It also said her health and recovery were more important than competing for a crown.

Miss Universe Saint Martin

Madly Marian, who represents Saint Martin, also stepped away from Miss Universe 2026. She shared that she made the decision for personal reasons. Although she was excited about the opportunity, she felt it was best not to continue with the competition.

Why Are Maldives and Morocco Missing From Miss Universe 2026?

Two more contestants have withdrawn from the pageant. Miss Universe Maldives Aminath Yuin Mohamed will not participate this year. She has not publicly shared a reason for her withdrawal.

Miss Universe Morocco Sara Allali has also stepped away. Reports have differed on the reason, with some mentioning sudden financial and economic constraints, while other reports say the reason was not publicly disclosed. Both countries’ representatives will therefore be missing from this year’s competition.

What Happened to Miss Universe France 2026?

The Miss France Organization announced its withdrawal from the international pageant on May 28, 2026, citing disagreements with the direction of the Miss Universe competition and concerns about its recent controversies.

However, this was an organizational withdrawal, not a confirmed withdrawal of France’s contestant. France has since selected Garance Authié as its Miss Universe 2026 representative, and she is expected to compete in Puerto Rico.

This distinction is important because an organization’s decision to withdraw does not necessarily mean its country will be absent from the international competition.

When and Where Is the Miss Universe 2026 Finale?

The Miss Universe 2026 finale will take place on November 24, 2026, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This year’s event marks the 75th edition of the international beauty pageant.

The National Costume Show is scheduled for November 21, followed by the Preliminary Competition on November 22. Despite the withdrawals, visa issues and franchise disputes, the remaining contestants are continuing with the scheduled events and preparations for the final competition.

Despite the withdrawals, visa issues and franchise disputes, Miss Universe 2026 is moving ahead in Puerto Rico. The remaining contestants are preparing for the grand finale on November 24.

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