The countdown to the Miss Universe 2026 finale in San Juan has begun, but the international pageant is already facing significant disruption. As contestants arrive in Puerto Rico for the 75th edition and take part in preliminary events, representatives from 15 countries are reportedly no longer in the running.

The withdrawals have been attributed to a range of reasons, including personal circumstances, medical concerns and visa difficulties. A separate dispute involving pageant franchises has also resulted in six Asian countries being excluded from this year's competition.

The finale is scheduled to take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.

Austria, Bulgaria and Saint Martin announce withdrawals

Among the contestants to step away is Austria's Victoria Amerson, who announced her decision through Instagram. She said several considerations had influenced her choice, but stressed that protecting her physical and mental well-being and staying aligned with her personal values were the most important factors.

Reflecting on her experience, Amerson said the journey had helped her discover new possibilities and understand her own boundaries. She added that a crown or sash did not define her worth, expressing confidence in the path she had built for herself.

Bulgaria's representative, Ana-Maria, has also withdrawn after being involved in a car accident. The national organisation confirmed that her physical condition would not allow her to participate in the upcoming final rounds.

In its statement, the organisation said the contestant's recovery and safety took precedence over the competition, adding that her health mattered more than any title or crown.

Saint Martin's Madly Marian is another contestant who will not continue in the competition. She announced her departure citing personal reasons, describing the decision as difficult despite her gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country.

Six Asian nations caught in franchise dispute

A corporate and franchise-related disagreement has led to the exclusion of six Asian countries from the 2026 edition. Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Malaysia will not have contestants competing on the international stage this year.

The representatives from these countries are expected to retain their respective national titles despite being unable to participate in the global event.

Vietnam's absence is particularly notable as the country is scheduled to host the 76th edition of Miss Universe next year.

Visa restrictions affect several other countries

Visa-related complications have also disrupted participation. Nepal, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Republic of the Congo are among the countries whose representatives will miss this year's pageant because of visa issues or restrictions on travel to the United States.

The list of withdrawals also includes Maldives representative Aminath Yuin Mohamed, who has stepped away without publicly explaining her decision.

Morocco's Sara Allali has similarly withdrawn, with no official reason disclosed.

Pageant begins amid uncertainty

The Miss Universe competition is one of the world's most prominent international beauty pageants, bringing together contestants from across the globe. This year's edition, however, has begun under the shadow of organisational disputes and an unusually large number of exits.

With the finale approaching in San Juan, the withdrawals have reshaped the participating field and placed the spotlight on the challenges facing the event beyond the stage.