Miss Universe confirms Puerto Rico as 2026 edition hosts

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MANILA, Philippines — After a few rocky months, the Miss Universe Organization has officially confirmed that its diamond edition will indeed be taking place in Puerto Rico later this year.

Puerto Rico had been announced as the 2026 hosts even before the most recent pageant took place, however there were reports that the local government would halt the disbursment of public funds needed for the event.

The reported financial issue would not be resolved until Puerto Rican authorities met with organizers to ensure terms were met.

Time has passed and Miss Universe has once again made the announcement that it will be heading to Puerto Rico in November. 

"A place where culture comes alive, flavor fills every corner, and every moment is a celebration of legacy, beauty, and pride. This is where the world comes together," the pageant described Puerto Rico.

Miss Universe said this year would be their 75th anniversary celebration — while indeed this will be 75th Miss Universe edition, the first pageant took place in 1952.

The strange numbering is because the 2020 edition was pushed to May 2021 as a result of the pandemic.

The last time Puerto Rico hosted Miss Universe was in 2002 when Oxana Fedorova won Russia's first-ever crown. Karen Agustin represented the Philippines that year, which was Puerto Rico's third time hosting overall.

Fedorova, however, had to relinquish her title as she was unable to travel and fulfill her duties; thus, she was subsequently replaced by her first runner-up Justine Pasek of Panama.

The 2002 edition is the first Miss Universe crown for Panama and remains the only time the runner-up assumed the title.

The Philippine representative to this year's pageant will be announced on May where Ahtisa Manalo will be crowning her successor to the national Miss Universe title.

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